withhold
Base form
withhold
/wɪðˈhəʊld/
Past simple
withheld
/wɪðˈheld/
Past participle
withheld
/wɪðˈheld/
MeaningC1
to refuse to give something
to withhold the victim’s name until the family is told
In use
- After a modal verb · Form 1The bank may withhold your card if the PIN is wrong.
- Negative · Form 1Please don’t withhold any details from your doctor.
- Past simple · Form 2Last year the company withheld part of everyone’s bonus.
- Past simple · Form 2In court yesterday, the witness withheld an important fact.
- Passive · Form 3The driver’s name has been withheld for legal reasons.
- Past perfect · Form 3Ben realised that someone had withheld the truth from him.
Watch out
Withheld is with + held, in both forms: never withholded or withholden.
Same pattern
A — B — BForms two and three are the same
Irregular VerbsLearn all three forms for good
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