- #1
eltrinco
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i just wondering what is the difference between 'hold off' and 'hold on' command?
Difference between 'hold off' and 'hold on'
- Thread starter eltrinco
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Discussion Overview
The discussion explores the differences between the phrases "hold off" and "hold on," focusing on their meanings and usage in various contexts. It includes considerations of immediacy and urgency in commands.
Discussion Character
- Conceptual clarification, Debate/contested
Main Points Raised
- Some participants suggest that "hold on" implies an immediate command to stop an action, while "hold off" indicates a postponement of an action that is not necessarily immediate.
- One participant notes that "hold on" is often expressed in a more urgent manner compared to "hold off."
- A conversational example is provided to illustrate the difference, showing how "hold on" is used in a more urgent context, while "hold off" suggests waiting for further information.
- Another participant questions the ability to provide a serious answer without context for the commands, implying that context is crucial for understanding their usage.
Areas of Agreement / Disagreement
Participants express differing views on the nuances of the phrases, with no consensus reached on a definitive explanation.
Contextual Notes
The discussion lacks specific contextual examples for the commands, which may affect the clarity of the distinctions being made.
- #2
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They both mean to wait before doing something, but I thing in general use, "hold on" means to stop something that you are about to do right now where as "hold off" means to put off for quite a while something that you were going to do sometime soon but not necessarily immediately. That is, "hold on" is a more immediate command.
Also, because of the immediacy, "hold on" is usually said in a more urgent way than "hold off".
So a conversation might go like this:
A: I'm going to shoot that guy right now
B: WHOA. Hold on!
A: What, you don't want me to shoot him?
B: Well, maybe, but let's hold off on that until we find out for sure if he's who we think he is.
Also, because of the immediacy, "hold on" is usually said in a more urgent way than "hold off".
So a conversation might go like this:
A: I'm going to shoot that guy right now
B: WHOA. Hold on!
A: What, you don't want me to shoot him?
B: Well, maybe, but let's hold off on that until we find out for sure if he's who we think he is.
- #3
berkeman
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- #4
Mark44
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eltrinco, in case you don't know, phinds is pulling your leg.
Without any context for where you're seeing these commands, people can't give you a serious answer.
Without any context for where you're seeing these commands, people can't give you a serious answer.
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