English 2023 Q11: In the following question, choose the option that best completes the sentence. The guest would have arrived earlier but…
In the following question, choose the option that best completes the sentence. The guest would have arrived earlier but he was _____ in traffic.
Explanation
“Held up” means delayed or obstructed. When something holds you up, it prevents you from proceeding or arriving on time.
“Held down” means suppressed or restrained. “Held off” means kept at a distance or postponed. “Held about” is not a standard English phrasal verb.
Phrasal verbs combine a verb with a preposition or adverb to create new meanings. Learning common phrasal verbs like “held up” is essential for understanding everyday English.