an inactive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "an inactive" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing something that is not currently active or functioning. For example, "The account has been marked as an inactive user." Alternative expressions include "a dormant" and "a non-active."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But I don't buy the argument that because it's a coalition it's an inactive government.

The Guardian

So could Coach Mike D'Antoni, who made the decision to make Marbury an inactive player.

The New York Times - Sports

We did things like run up an inactive volcano in Bali.

The Guardian - Sport

The report said an inactive streetlight had left the intersection dark.

The New York Times

He is single, and said he doubts he would date an inactive person again.

The New York Times

Those with an inactive form of the protein have low cholesterol and a low risk of heart attacks.

The New York Times - Science

A spokesman for Bamford said: "Casper Limited was dissolved in 2012 having been an inactive company for its entire existence.

The Guardian

The system was installed atop an inactive landfill.

TechCrunch

Crizotinib binds to an inactive conformation of MET [94].

Journal of Cheminformatics

This phase takes place during an inactive period of time.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

In practice, photovoltaic panels often have an inactive edge area.

International Journal of Energy and Environmental Engineering

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the noun following the phrase is appropriate; while a volcano can be "an inactive" one, it is more commonly described as dormant.

Common error

Avoid using the article "a" before "inactive". Since "inactive" begins with a vowel sound, the correct article is always "an". Writing "a inactive account" is a frequent grammatical slip.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "an inactive" functions as an adjective phrase composed of the indefinite article "an" and the adjective "inactive". According to Ludwig, it serves to modify a following noun by attributing a state of non-functionality or lack of movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

55%

News & Media

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Social Media

3%

Reference

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "an inactive" is a highly versatile and grammatically correct expression used to describe a wide array of states ranging from biological zymogens to digital user accounts. Ludwig shows that it is particularly prevalent in scientific writing where precise status reporting is required. It is essential to maintain the correct article usage by avoiding "a inactive". Whether you are describing "an inactive" volcano or "an inactive" lifestyle, the phrase remains a standard and clear choice for professional communication. When seeking variety, synonyms like <a href="/s/dormant" target="_blank" rel="alternative">dormant or <a href="/s/inoperative" target="_blank" rel="alternative">inoperative can provide more specific nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a dormant

implies a temporary state of rest or sleep, often used for volcanoes or seeds

a non-active

uses a different prefix but serves as a direct, albeit slightly more clinical, substitute

a passive

suggests a lack of reaction or initiative rather than just a lack of function

an idle

typically describes machinery or people not currently working but ready to start

an inert

often used in chemistry to describe substances that do not react

an inoperative

specifically refers to something that is not functioning or broken

a latent

describes something present but not yet visible or active

a stagnant

implies a lack of flow or progress, often with a negative connotation

a defunct

suggests that the thing is no longer existing or functioning at all

an unproductive

focuses on the lack of results or output rather than the state of activity

FAQs

How do I use "an inactive" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something that is not functioning, such as "The system was installed atop <a href="/s/an+inactive+landfill" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an inactive landfill" or to describe a person's lifestyle.

What can I say instead of "an inactive"?

Depending on your context, you might use "<a href="/s/a+dormant" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a dormant", "<a href="/s/an+idle" target="_blank" rel="alternative">an idle" or "<a href="/s/a+passive" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a passive".

Is it correct to say "a inactive"?

No, it is grammatically incorrect because "inactive" begins with a vowel. You must use "an inactive".

What is the difference between "an inactive" and "a dormant"?

While both mean not active, "<a href="/s/a+dormant" target="_blank" rel="alternative">a dormant" often implies a state of suspended animation with the potential to wake up, whereas "an inactive" is a broader term for anything not currently in operation.