abeyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'abeyance' is correct and can be used in written English.
It can be used to refer to either a temporary suspension or cessation of activity, or a state of expectation or anticipation. Example Sentence: While the decision has not been officially made, the project is currently in abeyance until the board makes their final decision.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But the pattern of frightening spike and soothing abeyance will be familiar to anyone in the world who lives in an inner-city area with lots of poverty.

The Guardian - Opinion

WITH the euro crisis in abeyance, high oil prices have become the latest source of worry for the world economy.

The Economist

The euro crisis has been in abeyance for a few months, thanks largely to the readiness of the European Central Bank to intervene to help struggling countries.

The Economist

But NATO is taking no chances, deploying 700 more peacekeepers to deter violence.Until Serbia has a new government the European Union-sponsored dialogue between Kosovo and Serbia will remain in abeyance.

The Economist

The next few years may show whether Mr Harper's victory and Mr Layton's success has eliminated the mushy middle, or merely placed it in abeyance.

The Economist

Last November, to the great irritation of smaller countries, the French and Germans persuaded a qualified majority of their fellow governments in the Council of Ministers to reject the commission's proposal to threaten sanctions against the pair, and instead to put the entire pact into abeyance.

The Economist

So peace talks with the Palestinians, which have been stumbling forward under Mr Olmert, will probably be put into abeyance for weeks, perhaps months.Ms Livni says she wants a quick decision one way or the other by her prospective partners.

The Economist

Sources close to the prime minister maintain that this latest bloodletting may yet turn out to be the last contortion of the conflict before it succumbs to a negotiated settlement, perhaps with the Jerusalem issues left in abeyance.

The Economist

Once war broke out, the system went into abeyance.

The Economist

He says Mexican energy is one of GE's top strategic priorities: "When we think about Mexico we think about energy".But linking up energy markets and aligning regulatory standards on everything from green technologies to smart grids will not be easy, and risks stirring up anti-NAFTA forces that have recently been in abeyance.

The Economist

Brazil's claim to regional leadership is also in abeyance.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing the potential future of something that is in "abeyance", use phrases that suggest resumption or revival, such as 'the matter may be revived at a later date'.

Common error

Avoid using "abeyance" when you mean something has been completely given up or abandoned. "Abeyance" implies a temporary suspension, not a permanent end. If something is permanently discontinued, use "abandoned" or "terminated" instead.

Linguistic Context

The noun "abeyance" primarily functions to describe a state of temporary inactivity or suspension. Ludwig AI confirms this with numerous examples where "abeyance" signifies a pause or deferral of something, whether it's a law, a process, or a discussion.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Encyclopedias

32%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

3%

Social Media

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "abeyance" is a noun that describes a state of temporary suspension or inactivity. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in formal contexts such as news, encyclopedias, and scientific articles. It's crucial to differentiate "abeyance" from "abandonment", as the former implies a possibility of future resumption. For more informal situations, alternatives like "suspension" or "hiatus" may be more appropriate. Remember, using "abeyance" correctly conveys a sense of temporary pause rather than a permanent end.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

state of suspension

Focuses on the temporary halt of something, emphasizing the condition rather than the action.

temporary inactivity

Highlights the lack of activity as a transient condition.

deferred action

Emphasizes the postponement of an action to a later time.

held in suspension

Similar to "abeyance", but uses more explicit language.

state of dormancy

Implies a period of inactivity, similar to hibernation.

temporary cessation

Highlights the temporary stopping of an activity or process.

pending resolution

Indicates a situation waiting for a decision or solution.

on hold

A more informal way to express something being temporarily stopped.

inoperative status

Focuses on the non-operational state of something.

temporary deferral

Emphasizes the act of postponing something temporarily.

FAQs

How is "abeyance" typically used in a sentence?

The word "abeyance" is often used to describe a temporary suspension or inactivity of something, such as a law, a claim, or an activity. For example, "The project is held in abeyance until further notice."

What are some alternatives to using the word "abeyance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "suspension", "dormancy", "deferral", or "hiatus". Choose the word that best fits the specific situation.

Is it correct to say something is "in abeyance" or "on abeyance"?

The correct phrase is "in abeyance". The preposition "in" is used to indicate that something is in a state of temporary disuse or suspension. Using "on abeyance" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "abeyance" and "hiatus"?

"Abeyance" often refers to a more formal or legal suspension, while "hiatus" typically describes a break or pause in an activity. While they both denote a temporary break, "abeyance" often suggests the possibility of future resumption in a more structured context.