Withstand vs Withhold: Which Should You Use In Writing?

Have you ever found yourself confused between the words “withstand” and “withhold”? While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings and uses in the English language.

It’s important to clarify which of the two words is the proper one to use in a given situation. “Withstand” is the correct word when referring to something that can endure or resist a force or pressure. On the other hand, “withhold” means to hold back or refuse to give something.

With that in mind, let’s delve deeper into the meanings and uses of these two words.

Define Withstand

Withstand can be defined as the ability to resist or endure something, especially something that is challenging or difficult. It is a term that is commonly used in situations where an individual or object is being subjected to an external force or pressure.

For instance, a building that can withstand strong winds or earthquakes is said to be structurally sound and able to resist the forces that would otherwise cause it to collapse or become damaged.

In a figurative sense, the term withstand can also refer to the ability to endure emotional or psychological stress, such as the pressure of a high-stakes job or the strain of a difficult personal relationship.

Define Withhold

Withhold, on the other hand, refers to the act of holding back or keeping something from someone or something else. It can be used in a variety of contexts, from financial transactions to personal relationships.

For example, a bank may withhold funds from a customer’s account if they suspect fraudulent activity, while a parent may withhold privileges from a child who has misbehaved.

In a legal context, the term withhold can refer to the act of retaining taxes or other funds that are owed to the government or other entities.

Overall, the term withhold implies a deliberate action of holding back or retaining something, rather than simply resisting or enduring external forces.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Choosing the right word can make a big difference in the meaning of a sentence. Two commonly confused words are “withstand” and “withhold.” Here’s a guide on how to properly use these words in a sentence.

How To Use “Withstand” In A Sentence

“Withstand” means to resist or endure something without giving in. It is often used in the context of physical or emotional challenges.

Examples:

• The building was able to withstand the hurricane’s strong winds.
• She was able to withstand the pain of the intense workout.
• He tried to withstand the temptation to eat the entire cake.

When using “withstand” in a sentence, it is important to make sure the subject is the one doing the withstanding. The object should be the thing that the subject is withstanding.

How To Use “Withhold” In A Sentence

“Withhold” means to hold back or keep something from someone. It is often used in the context of information or resources.

Examples:

• The company withheld information about the layoffs from its employees.
• He withheld his vote until he had more information about the candidates.
• The government can withhold taxes from your paycheck.

When using “withhold” in a sentence, the subject is the one doing the withholding, and the object is the thing that is being withheld.

Remember, using the correct word can make a big difference in the clarity and meaning of your writing. By following these guidelines, you can ensure that you are using “withstand” and “withhold” correctly in your sentences.

More Examples Of Withstand & Withhold Used In Sentences

In order to fully understand the differences between the two words, it is important to see them used in context. Here are some examples:

Examples Of Using Withstand In A Sentence

• The building was able to withstand the hurricane-force winds.
• She was determined to withstand the pain and finish the race.
• The company was able to withstand the economic downturn due to its diverse portfolio.
• The bridge was designed to withstand earthquakes up to a magnitude of 8.0.
• The athlete’s body was able to withstand the intense training regimen.
• The tree was able to withstand the harsh winter weather.
• The ship was built to withstand rough seas and strong winds.
• The armor was able to withstand the enemy’s attacks.
• The relationship was able to withstand the test of time.
• The material was able to withstand high temperatures and pressure.

Examples Of Using Withhold In A Sentence

• The company decided to withhold the bonus until the end of the year.
• The government can withhold taxes from your paycheck.
• The teacher decided to withhold the grades until all the assignments were turned in.
• The witness was accused of withholding information from the police.
• The bank can withhold funds from a check until it clears.
• The company can withhold a portion of your paycheck for taxes.
• The landlord can withhold a portion of the security deposit for damages.
• The judge can withhold evidence if it is deemed irrelevant or prejudicial.
• The artist decided to withhold the release of the album until it was perfect.
• The parent can withhold privileges as a form of discipline.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using the words “withstand” and “withhold,” there are some common mistakes that people make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and miscommunication, so it’s important to understand the differences between the two words.

Using Withstand And Withhold Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using “withstand” and “withhold” interchangeably. While both words refer to resisting or holding back something, they have different meanings and uses.

“Withstand” means to endure or hold up against something, such as a physical force or pressure. For example, “The building was able to withstand the hurricane’s strong winds.”

“Withhold,” on the other hand, means to hold back or refuse to give something, such as information or money. For example, “The company decided to withhold the employee’s bonus until the end of the year.”

Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. For instance, saying “The building was able to withhold the hurricane’s strong winds” would not make sense and could cause confusion.

Tips For Avoiding Mistakes

To avoid making these mistakes in the future, it’s important to understand the differences between the two words and use them correctly. Here are some tips:

• Remember that “withstand” refers to resisting or holding up against something, while “withhold” means to hold back or refuse to give something.
• If you’re unsure which word to use, look up the definitions or examples to make sure you’re using the correct one.
• Practice using the words correctly in context to help reinforce their meanings and uses.

By avoiding these common mistakes and using “withstand” and “withhold” correctly, you can communicate more clearly and effectively in both written and spoken language.

Context Matters

Choosing between the words withstand and withhold can be tricky, as it often depends on the context in which they are used. While both words involve the idea of resisting or holding back, they are not always interchangeable. Understanding the nuances of each word is important for effective communication.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between withstand and withhold might change:

• Physical force: When talking about physical force, the word withstand is often used to describe the ability to resist or endure. For example, “The building was able to withstand the strong winds of the hurricane.” On the other hand, withhold would not be appropriate in this context.
• Emotions: In the context of emotions, withhold is often used to describe the act of holding back or suppressing feelings. For example, “She tried to withhold her tears during the sad movie.” In this context, withstand would not be appropriate.
• Information: Withhold is often used in the context of information, to describe the act of not disclosing or keeping something secret. For example, “The company decided to withhold the details of the new product until the launch date.” In this context, withstand would not be appropriate.
• Pressure: Withstand can also be used in the context of pressure, to describe the ability to handle or endure difficult situations. For example, “The athlete was able to withstand the pressure of the championship game.” In this context, withhold would not be appropriate.

As you can see, the choice between withstand and withhold depends on the specific context in which they are used. By understanding the nuances of each word, you can communicate more effectively and avoid confusion.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the rules for using withstand and withhold are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they might not apply. Here are some situations where these rules might not hold:

1. Technical Contexts

In technical contexts, such as engineering or physics, the terms withstand and withhold might have specific meanings that deviate from their general usage. For example, in electrical engineering, the term withstand voltage refers to the maximum voltage that a device can handle without failing. In this case, withstand means to endure or tolerate something without giving in.

Similarly, in material science, the term yield strength refers to the maximum stress that a material can withstand before it deforms permanently. Here, withstand means to resist or oppose something.

2. Regional Variations

While the rules for using withstand and withhold are generally consistent across different English-speaking regions, there might be some regional variations that are worth noting. For example, in British English, withhold can also mean to deduct or retain money from someone’s wages as a punishment or tax. In American English, this usage is less common, and withhold is typically used in the sense of holding back information or emotions.

3. Idiomatic Expressions

There are some idiomatic expressions that use withstand or withhold in ways that might not be immediately apparent from their literal meanings. For example:

• “Withstand the test of time” means to endure or last for a long time without losing quality or relevance.
• “Withhold judgment” means to refrain from making a decision or expressing an opinion until more information is available.

These expressions might not follow the strict rules for using withstand and withhold, but they are widely accepted and understood in their respective contexts.

Practice Exercises

Now that we have discussed the differences between withstand and withhold, it is time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences.

Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank

Choose the correct word (withstand or withhold) to fill in the blank in each sentence below:

1. The bridge was designed to withstand strong winds and heavy rain.
2. He couldn’t withstand the pressure and quit his job.
3. The witness refused to testify and withheld crucial information from the court.
4. She tried to withstand the temptation to eat the entire cake, but failed.
5. The government can withhold taxes from your paycheck.

Answer Key: 1. withstand 2. withstand 3. withheld 4. withstand 5. withhold

Exercise 2: Sentence Completion

Complete each sentence below with the correct form of withstand or withhold:

1. The new building was built to _______ earthquakes and other natural disasters.
2. She couldn’t _______ her tears when she heard the news.
3. The company decided to _______ bonuses this year due to financial difficulties.
4. He was able to _______ the pain and finish the marathon.
5. The judge ordered the witness to _______ information from the court.

Answer Key: 1. withstand 2. withhold 3. withhold 4. withstand 5. withhold

By practicing these exercises, you can improve your understanding and usage of withstand and withhold in sentences. Remember to pay attention to the context of each sentence to determine which word is appropriate to use.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the proper use of language and grammar is essential in communication. The distinction between the words “withstand” and “withhold” is a prime example of how small nuances can make a significant difference in meaning.

It is crucial to understand the definitions of words and how they are used in context to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. By using these words correctly, one can convey their intended message more effectively.

Key Takeaways

• The word “withstand” means to endure or resist something.
• The word “withhold” means to hold back or keep something from someone.
• Using these words interchangeably can lead to confusion and misinterpretation.
• Grammar and language use are essential in effective communication.

By continuing to learn about grammar and language use, individuals can improve their communication skills and avoid common mistakes. It is important to take the time to understand the subtleties of language and use them correctly to convey your intended message.