be at a log-jam

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be at a log-jam" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "be at a logjam." You can use it to describe a situation where progress is halted due to a blockage or a deadlock, often in decision-making or negotiations.
Example: "The negotiations have reached a point where both parties are at a logjam, unable to agree on the terms."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

British politics appears to be at a log-jam.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

"The table is a log jam and is going to be like that for the season," the Irishman said.

BBC

This is almost wholly down to the way the draw is organised, with seeded players (usually the only ones left at the end of the second week) not appearing early, creating a log-jam that is exacerbated by weather that, for the past four years, has been dire.

The Guardian - Sport

Lenders are applying restrictive policies which are reducing significantly the number of first time buyers entering the market and this is causing a log jam".

BBC

The longer you take ordering while the waitress is there causes a log jam inhibiting you from being the man you think you are.

Vice

But what happens when there is a multiple pile-up on the M1, no acute beds and a log-jam of patients stacked up in casualty?

The Guardian

"There is a log jam in the industry".

Forbes

According to David Cowling, editor of the BBC's political research unit, opinion polls suggest a log-jam in UK politics.

The Guardian

We can't have a log-jam of approvals process," he said.

BBC

He has been serving one of the longest apprenticeships in world history and there is now a growing log-jam of apprentices to his own apprenticeship.

The Guardian

But such was the log-jam at the top that there were seven players within four shots of that mark, among them Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Sergio Garcia.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Prefer the single-word form "logjam" instead of "log-jam" for better clarity and adherence to standard usage. Ensure that the context genuinely refers to a blockage or standstill, not simply a collection of logs.

Common error

Avoid using "be at a log-jam" (or even "be at a logjam") when you simply mean something is congested or busy. The phrase implies a complete standstill or blockage, not just a temporary delay.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at a log-jam" (more correctly, "be at a logjam") functions as a descriptive phrase indicating a state of blockage or standstill. As Ludwig AI points out, the phrase "be at a log-jam" is not correct in standard English; the correct expression is "be at a logjam".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be at a log-jam" aims to describe a state of standstill or blockage. However, Ludwig recommends using the single-word form "logjam" as it's grammatically more correct. While not exceedingly common, it appears in various contexts like news media, though less frequently in formal or academic settings. Alternatives like "be in a deadlock" or "be stuck" can offer clearer and more precise alternatives depending on the specific situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be in a deadlock

Replaces "log-jam" with "deadlock" to emphasize the stalemate nature of the situation.

be in a stalemate

Substitutes "log-jam" with "stalemate", highlighting the lack of movement or progress.

be at an impasse

Replaces "log-jam" with "impasse", indicating a point where agreement is impossible.

be stuck

Uses a simpler term, "stuck", to convey the feeling of being unable to proceed.

be gridlocked

Implies a complete standstill, similar to a traffic gridlock.

be held up

Suggests a temporary delay or obstruction.

be bogged down

Emphasizes the difficulty and sluggishness of the situation.

be facing obstacles

Focuses on the presence of barriers hindering progress.

encounter difficulties

Highlights the challenges and problems encountered.

meet resistance

Suggests opposition or pushback causing the standstill.

FAQs

Is it correct to say "be at a log-jam" or should it be "be at a logjam"?

The preferred and more grammatically sound form is "be at a logjam". The hyphenated form, "be at a log-jam", is less common and can be seen as incorrect.

What does it mean to be "at a logjam"?

To be "at a logjam" means to be in a situation where progress is blocked or stalled due to some kind of obstacle or impasse. It suggests a complete standstill.

What can I say instead of "be at a logjam"?

You can use alternatives like "be in a deadlock", "be at an impasse", or "be stuck" depending on the context.

How is "being at a logjam" different from "facing difficulties"?

"Being at a logjam" implies a complete standstill, whereas "encountering difficulties" suggests that progress is still possible, albeit with challenges. A logjam is more severe and suggests a total blockage.