be put on hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be put on hold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe the act of delaying a process or action. For example, "The project was put on hold due to lack of funding."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While new projects may be put on hold, American officials say old ones may continue.

The Economist

Blogging may have to be put on hold for as much as a couple of days.

The New York Times

These constitutional rights cannot be put on hold, even in tough times.

The New York Times

Plans to transport passengers' cars have had to be put on hold, pending permission.

The Economist

Qarase said that the bills would be put on hold and Hughes's appointment would be reviewed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Gates grants are propelling initiatives that otherwise might be put on hold because of tight budgets.

The Washington Post

Pleased that my gooseberry status was to be put on hold, I agreed.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Few callers are happy to be put on hold, whatever the choice of music or talk.

The New York Times

But it appeared the decisions would be put on hold pending the outcome in Minsk.

The Guardian

"The Turkish Stream gas pipeline project will be put on hold or cancelled.

The Guardian

The picture will now be put on hold for as much as six months.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be put on hold", clearly state the reason for the delay to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example, "The project was put on hold due to budget constraints."

Common error

Avoid vague statements like "It was put on hold." Instead, specify why something is "put on hold" to ensure clear communication. For instance, say "The decision was put on hold pending further review" instead of simply "The decision was put on hold".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be put on hold" functions as a passive construction indicating a temporary suspension or delay. It describes a situation where an action, decision, or plan is paused for a specific or unspecified period, as validated by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be put on hold" is a versatile and commonly used expression to indicate a temporary suspension or delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently appears in reputable news sources. When using "be put on hold", be sure to specify the reasons for the delay. Consider alternatives like "be postponed" or "be suspended" for subtle differences in meaning. This detailed analysis offers writers guidance on how to effectively and accurately use the phrase in their writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be postponed

This suggests a delay to a later time, similar to "be put on hold" but with a stronger implication of rescheduling.

be suspended

This implies a temporary cessation, often with an expectation of resumption, much like "be put on hold".

be delayed

This is a general term for something being slowed down or not happening on time, similar to "be put on hold".

be deferred

This suggests postponing something to a future date, often due to a specific reason or condition, similar to "be put on hold".

be shelved

This implies that something has been set aside, perhaps indefinitely, which is a stronger sense of postponement than "be put on hold".

be put off

This is a more informal way of saying something is delayed or postponed, similar to "be put on hold".

be interrupted

This suggests a temporary break in an activity, implying it will resume. "Be put on hold" also suggests a temporary stop.

be stayed

This legal term refers to a temporary suspension of a judicial proceeding. This is a more formal form of "be put on hold".

be frozen

This conveys a sense of inactivity and stagnation, implying a longer, possibly indefinite pause similar to "be put on hold".

be mothballed

This term means to be taken out of active service and stored, indicating a longer-term suspension than "be put on hold".

FAQs

How can I use "be put on hold" in a sentence?

You can use "be put on hold" to indicate that something is temporarily delayed or suspended. For example, "The negotiations were put on hold until further notice" or "My application has been put on hold due to technical issues".

What are some alternatives to "be put on hold"?

Alternatives include "be postponed", "be suspended", or "be delayed", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "being put on hold"?

Yes, "being put on hold" is grammatically correct. It is often used in continuous tenses or gerund phrases, such as "The project is being put on hold" or "Being put on hold can be frustrating".

What's the difference between "be put on hold" and "be cancelled"?

"Be put on hold" implies a temporary suspension with the possibility of resuming later. "Be cancelled", on the other hand, means that something is terminated permanently and will not proceed.