a holding pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a holding pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is waiting for a decision or outcome before taking further action. Example: "Due to the uncertainty in the market, our project is currently in a holding pattern until we receive more information."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"The economy is in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

But this is only a holding pattern.

The Economist

But we're in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

We're in a holding pattern".

The New York Times

But he's in a holding pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now, we're in a holding pattern".

The New York Times

The rest were in a holding pattern.

The New York Times - Travel

… It was a holding pattern — a feint.

The New York Times

"We are not in a holding pattern," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The company's been in a holding pattern ever since".

The New York Times

But sentiment appeared to be in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a holding pattern" to clearly communicate a temporary state of inaction or delayed progress. This phrase effectively conveys the idea that something is paused, pending further developments or decisions.

Common error

Avoid assuming that being in "a holding pattern" signifies a complete end to a process. Emphasize the temporary nature of the situation to maintain realistic expectations and prevent premature abandonment of efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a holding pattern" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as a predicate nominative or an object of a preposition. It describes a temporary state of inaction or suspension, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

23%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a holding pattern" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a temporary state of inaction or delay. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news and business contexts. Alternatives like "a state of suspension" or "temporary standstill" offer similar meanings. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the temporary nature of the situation and avoid misinterpreting it as a permanent stop.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a state of suspension

Indicates a temporary cessation of activity, emphasizing the pause or interruption.

a temporary standstill

Highlights the lack of movement or progress during a certain period.

a period of inactivity

Focuses on the absence of action or work during the specified time.

a waiting game

Implies a situation where one must wait patiently for an outcome or opportunity.

a lull in activity

Suggests a brief period of quiet or reduced activity, often before a resumption of busyness.

a pause for breath

Highlights a short break taken to rest or recover before continuing.

a state of abeyance

Describes a temporary suspension of activity, often in legal or formal contexts.

on ice

Indicates that something is being temporarily postponed or put aside.

in limbo

Suggests an uncertain or unresolved state, often with no clear path forward.

marking time

Implies engaging in minimal activity while waiting for something to happen.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a holding pattern" in a sentence?

Use "a holding pattern" to describe situations where progress is temporarily paused. For example, "Our project is in "a holding pattern" due to funding issues".

What are some alternatives to "a holding pattern" that I can use?

You can use alternatives like "a state of suspension", "temporary standstill", or "in limbo" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say 'in a holding pattern'?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. The phrase "a holding pattern" functions as a noun phrase, and 'in' is the appropriate preposition to use in this context.

What does it mean to say something is 'in a holding pattern'?

It means that something is temporarily stopped or delayed, awaiting further developments or decisions. It implies a state of suspended activity.