at a stalemate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "at a stalemate" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where progress is impossible, often in negotiations or conflicts. Example: "The two parties have been discussing the terms for weeks, but they remain at a stalemate with no resolution in sight."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were at a stalemate.

Harvard University

Now the two are at a stalemate.

The New York Times - Sports

Congress was at a stalemate over Yucca Mountain.

The New York Times - Science

For the moment, this particular battle is at a stalemate.

The Washington Post

It is kind of at a stalemate right now".

The New York Times

Where this leaves us Again at a stalemate.

The Guardian - Sport

The two sides remain at a stalemate, and the village council is divided as well.

Harvard University

We leave him at a stalemate: motionless, abandoned, without apparent saviors or connection.

The New Yorker

Digital photography and I were at a stalemate until October, when my dad died.

The New York Times

In contrast, the war with the Taliban is at a stalemate, Nicholson said this year.

The New Yorker

Socially speaking, Tunisian citizens and their state remain at a stalemate.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "at a stalemate", ensure the context clearly indicates a lack of progress due to equally opposing forces or unresolved issues. Avoid using it when progress is simply slow or challenging, but still ongoing.

Common error

Don't assume a situation described as "at a stalemate" is necessarily permanent. Stalemate indicates a temporary lack of progress that may eventually be resolved. Therefore, avoid portraying it as an irreversible condition.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "at a stalemate" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used as an adverbial phrase to describe a state of suspended progress or unresolved conflict. Ludwig AI shows the phrase is frequently found in sentences describing negotiations, wars, or political situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "at a stalemate" is a common and correct way to describe a situation where progress has halted due to opposing forces. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and frequent usage in news, academic, and formal contexts. When using this phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates the lack of progress and consider alternatives like "in a deadlock" or "at an impasse" to fine-tune the specific meaning. Avoid assuming a stalemate is permanent, as it often represents a temporary pause requiring new strategies for resolution.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a deadlock

Indicates a situation where progress is blocked due to opposing forces, similar to a stalemate but can imply a more rigid and unyielding opposition.

at an impasse

Describes a situation where agreement is impossible, emphasizing the lack of a clear path forward.

at a standstill

Highlights the lack of movement or progress, focusing on the cessation of activity.

in a standoff

Suggests a confrontation or prolonged disagreement where neither side is willing to concede.

in a gridlock

Implies complete blockage and inability to move forward, often used in the context of traffic or political situations.

at a dead end

Indicates that all possible solutions or paths have been exhausted, leading to no progress.

at loggerheads

Describes a state of intense disagreement and conflict, highlighting the adversarial nature of the situation.

in a checkmate

From chess, signifies an inescapable trap or defeat, implying a complete inability to maneuver.

in a Mexican standoff

A situation where multiple parties are pointing guns at each other, with no clear advantage, and any aggressive move would be mutually destructive.

stuck in a rut

Suggests a repetitive and unproductive pattern, implying a lack of innovation or progress.

FAQs

How can I use "at a stalemate" in a sentence?

You can use "at a stalemate" to describe situations where progress has halted due to conflicting forces or an inability to reach an agreement. For example: "Negotiations are "at a stalemate" because neither side is willing to compromise".

What can I say instead of "at a stalemate"?

Alternatives to "at a stalemate" include "in a deadlock", "at an impasse", or "at a standstill", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "in a stalemate" instead of "at a stalemate"?

While "at a stalemate" is the more common and grammatically accepted phrasing, "in a stalemate" might be understood but is not standard usage. Stick to ""at a stalemate"" for clearer communication.

What's the difference between "at a stalemate" and "in a deadlock"?

"At a stalemate" and ""in a deadlock"" are very similar. "Deadlock" often implies a more rigid, seemingly unbreakable block, while "stalemate" can suggest a temporary pause in progress that might eventually be resolved.