Not in service

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "Not in service" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that a vehicle, such as a bus or train, is not currently operating or available for use. Example: "The bus you are waiting for is not in service today due to maintenance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Not in service" is the message we got when Tamir Rice was killed, when Freddie Gray was killed, when Eric Garner was killed.

The Guardian - Opinion

Another number was not in service.

The New York Times

I called back, but the phone was not in service.

The New York Times

Engines capable of hauling long trains were not in service.

Cornell University

"It just sits there even though it's not in service.

The New York Times

The bus's direction indicator read "Not in service".

The New York Times

I try his number and get the watery tones of the "not in service" flute.

The New Yorker

A number for Presidio Advisers in Denver was not in service yesterday.

The New York Times

The front of the bus declares in bright lights: "NOT IN SERVICE".

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Numbers for the Laulicht family were answered with not-in-service recorded messages.

The New York Times

One yielded a not-in-service message and the other went unanswered for several days in a row.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary state of unavailability, specify the reason if possible. For example: "The elevator is "not in service" due to scheduled maintenance."

Common error

Avoid using "not in service" when something is permanently decommissioned. Instead, use terms like "decommissioned" or "retired" to indicate a permanent change.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "Not in service" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that something is temporarily unavailable or not functioning. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. The examples provided show it describing vehicles, phone numbers, and systems.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

18%

Academia

9%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "Not in service" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that something is temporarily unavailable or non-operational. Ludwig AI validates this by reporting a positive sentiment about the phrase. It is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and academic papers, making it a versatile choice for various contexts. When using the phrase, consider specifying the reason for unavailability to provide additional clarity. While "out of service" serves as an extremely similar phrase, ensure the chosen substitute appropriately reflects the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Out of order

Indicates a temporary or permanent malfunction, typically for equipment or facilities.

Out of service

A very close synonym, often used interchangeably, especially for vehicles or public transport.

Unavailable

A general term indicating something is not accessible or ready for use.

Non-operational

More formal, implying a system or device is not functioning.

Not operational

Similar to "Non-operational", but slightly less formal.

Not functioning

Directly states that something isn't working correctly.

Down for maintenance

Specifically indicates that something is temporarily unavailable for repairs.

Temporarily suspended

Suggests a service or operation has been halted for a limited period.

Not currently running

Implies that something is typically running but is currently stopped.

Inactive

Indicates a state of not being active or operational.

FAQs

What does "Not in service" mean?

The phrase "Not in service" typically means something is currently unavailable for use, often due to maintenance, repairs, or being out of operation temporarily.

When is it appropriate to use "Not in service"?

It is appropriate when describing vehicles, equipment, or systems that are temporarily unavailable. For example, a bus might display "Not in service", or a phone number may be /s/not+in+service.

What can I say instead of "Not in service"?

You can use alternatives like "out of service", "unavailable", or "non-operational" depending on the context.

Is "Not in service" the same as "Out of service"?

While very similar, "out of service" is generally interchangeable with "Not in service". Both indicate that something is not currently functioning or available for use.