Cool MateDon't go vs Hold on
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Don't go
Top 1,000 (very common)
Hold on
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Don't go
| Don't go | Hold on | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //dəʊnt ɡəʊ//🇺🇸 //doʊnt ɡoʊ// | 🇬🇧 //həʊld ɒn//🇺🇸 //hoʊld ɑn// |
| Meaning | Do not leave. | Wait a moment |
| Example | Don't go without saying goodbye! | Please hold on while I check the information. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| Collocations | Don't go away, Don't go too far, Don't go just yet | hold on a second, hold on tight, hold on the line |
| Antonyms | - | rush, hurry, advance |
| Common mistakes | Adding 'to' (e.g., 'Don't go to') when it is not needed., Confusing with 'Don't leave' - both are similar but can have different contexts., Using it in formal situations where a softer tone is needed. | Confused with 'hold up' which means to delay, Using it in very formal contexts where 'please wait' is better, Not using it as a standalone phrase |
| Usage notes | Used to advise or warn someone against leaving a place. Common in both spoken and written English, but can be considered informal depending on context. | Use 'hold on' when asking someone to wait briefly. It's appropriate in casual conversations but can be used in more formal situations as well. Avoid in very formal writing. |
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Frequently asked questions: Don't go vs Hold on
What's the difference between Don't go and Hold on?
Don't go: Do not leave. Hold on: Wait a moment
Which is more common: Don't go and Hold on?
Don't go is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Don't go: Don't go without saying goodbye! Hold on: Please hold on while I check the information.
Can I use Don't go and Hold on interchangeably?
Not always. Don't go and Hold on are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.