be at a standstill

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'be at a standstill' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that has stopped progressing or is unable to move forward. For example, "The negotiations between the two countries have been at a standstill for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

Until then, the N.F.L. seems to be at a standstill.

The New York Times - Sports

Talks in New Jersey seem to be at a standstill.

The New York Times - Sports

"And we're at a point in time where we can't afford to be at a standstill".

The New York Times

"I suppose if we'd had a tornado warning or a hurricane warning, we'd be at a standstill.

The New York Times

"We have to wait and see what the market has to offer also because in Italy everything seems to be at a standstill".

Independent

Moreover, his future boss, Mr Bush, is reeling politically, and Washington will be at a standstill in any case until the November elections are over.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

35 human-written examples

Cambodia is at a standstill.

The New York Times

Prices are at a standstill.

The Economist

We're at a standstill.

The New York Times

Business is at a standstill.

The New York Times

Negotiations were at a standstill.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be at a standstill" when you want to emphasize a complete cessation of movement, progress, or activity. This phrase is particularly effective when describing situations where forward motion is expected or desired.

Common error

Avoid using "be at a standstill" to describe temporary slowdowns or minor interruptions. The phrase implies a complete halt, so using it in less severe situations can be an overstatement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be at a standstill" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the state of a noun. It indicates that something has stopped moving or progressing. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be at a standstill" is a common and grammatically correct idiomatic expression used to describe a state of complete cessation or inactivity. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. While suitable for both formal and informal settings, it's crucial to use it accurately, avoiding its misuse for temporary slowdowns. Alternatives like "come to a halt" or "reach a stalemate" may be more appropriate in certain contexts. When using "be at a standstill", ensure the subject-verb agreement is correct (i.e., "is" for singular, "are" for plural). Overall, understanding the nuances of this phrase will enhance your writing and communication skills.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

come to a halt

Focuses on the action of stopping rather than the state of being stopped.

grind to a halt

Emphasizes a gradual and often unwelcome cessation of activity.

reach a stalemate

Specifically refers to a situation where opposing forces are equally balanced and unable to progress.

be in a deadlock

Similar to stalemate, but can also apply to non-conflict situations.

be in limbo

Suggests a state of uncertainty and suspension, rather than complete cessation.

mark time

Signifies going through the motions without making real progress.

be stagnating

Highlights a lack of growth or development.

be suspended

Indicates a temporary interruption or postponement.

lose momentum

Suggests a gradual decrease in speed or progress.

be idle

Implies a lack of activity or purpose.

FAQs

How can I use "be at a standstill" in a sentence?

You can use "be at a standstill" to describe situations where progress or movement has completely stopped. For example: "Negotiations are "at a standstill"." or "Traffic was "at a standstill" due to the accident."

What are some alternatives to "be at a standstill"?

Alternatives include "come to a halt", "reach a stalemate", or "be in limbo". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "is at a standstill" or "are at a standstill"?

The correct form depends on the subject. Use "is at a standstill" for singular subjects (e.g., "The project is at a standstill"), and "are at a standstill" for plural subjects (e.g., "Negotiations are at a standstill").

What's the difference between "be at a standstill" and "be stagnating"?

"Be at a standstill" implies a complete stop, while "be stagnating" suggests a lack of growth or development but not necessarily a complete cessation of activity. Stagnation implies a lack of progress over time, while a standstill is a more immediate cessation.