be on standby

USAGE SUMMARY

"be on standby" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiom meaning to be ready and available to act when needed. For example, "The ambulance crew was on standby in case there were any further injuries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"I'll be on standby close by in case this one gets canceled," he said.

The New York Times

Reinforcements better be on standby.

The New York Times

Other agencies will be on standby.

The New York Times

But snowplows will not be on standby at Estadio Azteca.

The New York Times - Sports

But the Canadians will be on standby with their divers".

The New Yorker

Armed Puma helicopters will also be on standby.

The Guardian - Sport

A team of paramedics will be on standby, as will police.

Independent

Those agencies will be on standby after the verdict, Oakland officials say.

The New York Times

It will be on standby for German volunteers who contract the virus.

The Guardian

Reducing peak demand means fewer power stations need to be on standby, thereby cutting carbon emissions.

The Guardian

Law enforcement officers have been alerted and will be on standby.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be on standby" when you want to emphasize readiness and availability for immediate action or support. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "be on standby" in situations where a more proactive or engaged role is expected. It implies a waiting posture, which might not always be the desired impression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be on standby" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating a state of readiness or preparedness to respond to a potential need or situation. Ludwig examples show its broad application across different scenarios.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Science

19%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be on standby" is a versatile and commonly used idiom that signifies a state of readiness and availability. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage across diverse contexts, particularly in News & Media. While it's appropriate for both formal and informal communication, it’s essential to consider the context and ensure that the implied sense of waiting aligns with the intended message. Related phrases like "be at the ready" or "be prepared" can offer subtle nuances depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be standing by

Similar in meaning, but slightly less common and may imply a more temporary state.

be at the ready

Implies a state of immediate preparedness, often for military or emergency situations; more formal.

be in a state of readiness

Emphasizes the condition of being prepared, often for a specific event or task; more formal.

be prepared to act

Focuses on the willingness and capability to take action when necessary; less idiomatic.

be on alert

Implies a heightened state of awareness and readiness for potential danger or problems.

be on call

Specifically refers to being available for work or service when needed, often in a professional context.

be ready and waiting

Emphasizes both the preparedness and the act of waiting for something to happen.

be in reserve

Suggests being held back for later use or in case of emergency; often used in military or sports contexts.

be available

General term for being accessible and ready to help or provide service.

be on deck

Often used in sports, implying the next in line or ready to participate.

FAQs

How to use "be on standby" in a sentence?

You can use "be on standby" to indicate that someone or something is ready and available to respond or act immediately. For example, "The medical team will "be on standby" during the event".

What can I say instead of "be on standby"?

You can use alternatives like "be at the ready", "be prepared", or "be available" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "be on standby" or "being on standby"?

"Be on standby" is typically used as an imperative or infinitive phrase, while "being on standby" functions as a gerund or participial phrase describing a state. Both are grammatically correct but used in different contexts. For instance, "The troops were ordered to "be on standby"," versus "Being on standby is a stressful job".

What's the difference between "be on standby" and "be on call"?

"Be on standby" generally means to be ready and available for any potential need or situation. "Be on call", conversely, specifically refers to being available for work or professional service, often with the expectation of immediate response.