hold office
Occupy a public position
Literally: to hold (keep/possess) an office (a position/place of duty)
In 15 Seconds
- Being in a position of power or authority.
- Used for elected officials or high-level executives.
- Implies responsibility and a specific term of service.
Meaning
This phrase describes someone who is currently working in an important official position, usually in government or a high-level organization. It means they have the authority and the responsibilities that come with that specific job.
Key Examples
3 of 6Discussing local politics
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Talking about a historical figure
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
A casual debate about celebrities
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Cultural Background
The concept of 'holding office' is tied to the Constitution. There are strict age and citizenship requirements to hold federal office. In the UK, 'holding office' often refers to 'Ministers of the Crown.' It carries a sense of historical tradition and duty to the Monarch. The root of the phrase comes from the Roman 'cursus honorum,' where men would hold a series of offices (Questor, Praetor, Consul) to gain status. In large corporations, 'holding office' is used for the 'C-suite' (CEO, CFO, etc.) to distinguish them from regular employees.
Use with 'as'
Always follow with 'as [Title]' to sound most natural. 'He holds office as the Treasurer.'
Avoid for regular jobs
Don't use it for your job at a bank or a store. It sounds too 'grand' and will confuse people.
In 15 Seconds
- Being in a position of power or authority.
- Used for elected officials or high-level executives.
- Implies responsibility and a specific term of service.
What It Means
Hold office is about having a seat at the big table. It doesn't mean you are physically holding a building. It means you have been elected or appointed to a position of power. Think of it like holding a trophy you worked hard for. You possess the title, the duties, and the influence that come with it.
How To Use It
You use this phrase when talking about people in power. It usually follows a person's name or a title. For example, 'She has held office for ten years.' It sounds very professional and steady. It focuses on the duration and the status of the person's career. You can use it in the past, present, or future tense easily.
When To Use It
Use this during a serious news discussion or a history lesson. It is perfect for talking about mayors, presidents, or board members. If you are at a networking event, you might use it to describe a senior leader. It works well when you want to sound respectful and knowledgeable about how organizations work. It’s a great way to impress your boss during a meeting about leadership.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use this for entry-level jobs or casual work. You wouldn't say your friend holds office as a barista at the local coffee shop. That would sound like they are the 'President of Lattes,' which might be funny but is technically wrong. Avoid using it for temporary gigs or hobbies. It implies a level of public or professional accountability that a normal job doesn't have.
Cultural Background
In English-speaking cultures, holding office is tied to the idea of 'public trust.' It comes from a time when having a physical office meant you were a person of significance. It suggests that the position is bigger than the person. The person is just 'holding' it for a while until the next person takes over. It’s a very democratic way of looking at power.
Common Variations
You might hear run for office when someone is trying to get elected. Take office is used for the very first day they start. Leave office is used when their time is finished. In office is a shorter way to say they are currently there. All of these revolve around the same idea of the 'office' being a position of authority.
Usage Notes
This is a high-register collocation. It is almost exclusively used in formal writing, news reporting, and professional discussions about leadership.
Use with 'as'
Always follow with 'as [Title]' to sound most natural. 'He holds office as the Treasurer.'
Avoid for regular jobs
Don't use it for your job at a bank or a store. It sounds too 'grand' and will confuse people.
The 'Incumbent'
A person currently holding office is called the 'incumbent.' This is a great B2/C1 vocabulary word to use alongside this phrase.
Examples
6Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Our current mayor has held office since 2015.
Shows the duration of someone's leadership.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
He was the youngest person to ever hold office in this state.
Highlights a significant achievement in a career.
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Do you think a famous actor is qualified to hold office?
Used in a conversational but serious debate.
Congrats! You now officially hold office as the club president!
Congrats! You now officially hold office as the club president!
Applying a formal term to a social club for a boost of importance.
The cat has held office as the 'Chief Nap Officer' for three years now.
The cat has held office as the 'Chief Nap Officer' for three years now.
Using formal language for a silly situation to create humor.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to hold office in this community.
It has been the greatest honor of my life to hold office in this community.
Expresses deep emotion and respect for the role.
Test Yourself
Fill in the missing word to complete the formal sentence.
The senator has _______ office for over twenty years.
'Held' is the past participle of 'hold,' which is the standard collocation for serving in a position.
Which sentence uses the phrase correctly in a formal context?
Select the best option:
'Hold office' is used for high-level or official positions like a CEO.
Match the phrase with its meaning.
Match the following:
These are the four stages of a political career.
Complete the dialogue between two political analysts.
Analyst A: 'Is he eligible to _______ office?' Analyst B: 'No, he hasn't lived in the country long enough.'
'Eligible to hold office' is a very common formal expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Visual Learning Aids
Who Can 'Hold Office'?
Government
- • President
- • Mayor
- • Senator
Organizations
- • Board Member
- • Treasurer
- • Dean
NOT Office
- • Cashier
- • Driver
- • Freelancer
Practice Bank
4 exercisesThe senator has _______ office for over twenty years.
'Held' is the past participle of 'hold,' which is the standard collocation for serving in a position.
Select the best option:
'Hold office' is used for high-level or official positions like a CEO.
Match each item on the left with its pair on the right:
These are the four stages of a political career.
Analyst A: 'Is he eligible to _______ office?' Analyst B: 'No, he hasn't lived in the country long enough.'
'Eligible to hold office' is a very common formal expression.
🎉 Score: /4
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsYes, but only if you follow it with 'of [Title]', like 'hold the office of President.' Otherwise, just say 'hold office.'
Mostly, but it can also be used for high-level roles in clubs, universities, or large companies.
You can say someone is 'out of office' or has 'left office.'
No, 'hold office' implies a formal, often elected, position with public responsibility.
No, only an individual person can hold office.
Use 'hold' for the present/future and 'held' for the past.
It suggests that the power is something you carry temporarily, not something you own forever.
Yes, it is common in formal business writing to say someone 'holds office as CEO.'
It is very formal. You won't hear it much in casual street slang.
It means a person is legally not allowed to have that job, usually because they did something wrong.
Related Phrases
in office
similarCurrently serving in a position.
take office
builds onTo begin a term in an official position.
run for office
similarTo be a candidate in an election.
public trust
specialized formThe responsibility of an official to the people.
