be put on ice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be put on ice" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is being postponed or temporarily set aside. Example: "Due to budget constraints, the project will be put on ice until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Earlier in the year it emerged that Cosmo Girl, targeted at the teenage market, was to be put on ice until the autumn.

The Guardian

France's lost decade Ahead of the curve Correction: Timur Kuran ReprintsOn the same day that BP's results were announced, a judge in London granted a request by Alfa-Access-Renova (AAR), the vehicle through which Russian partners hold their stake in TNK-BP, that the Rosneft deal be put on ice until at least February 25th.

The Economist

A planned major waste incinerator and energy plant for western Sydney – the largest in the southern hemisphere – is likely to be put on ice until after the New South Wales election next March after the Department of Planning recommended against the project.

The Guardian

The bowler whose swing swung the game in the tourists' favour pipped Steve Waugh and Mark Taylor to the man-of-the-match award, accepted his magnum of champagne, then ordered it to be put on ice until the Ashes were back in Australian hands.

The Guardian - Sport

The anticoagulated blood will be put on ice until centrifugation is performed (within 40 min of collection) at 3500 rpm for 10 min.

BMJ Open

On all other issues, the relationship between the European Union and Belarus should be put on ice.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

All other festivities are put on ice as a result, leading to disquiet among the retail ranks.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Homework is put on ice as they fall headlong into a drug caper.

Vice

After preheating tubes were put on ice for one minute and iScript reverse transcriptase was added.

BMC Endocrine Disorders

But one by one the projects are being put on ice.

The Economist

For 20 years the arguments have been put on ice.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be put on ice" when you want to convey a temporary halt to a project or plan due to unforeseen circumstances or a change in priorities. It implies the possibility of resuming it later.

Common error

Avoid using "be put on ice" if the intention is to convey a permanent cancellation. This phrase suggests a temporary pause, not a final end. Use alternatives like "be shelved" or "be abandoned" for permanent terminations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be put on ice" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating the temporary suspension or postponement of a plan, project, or activity. Ludwig examples demonstrate its usage across various contexts, reinforcing its role in conveying a pause in progress.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

18%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be put on ice" is a common idiomatic phrase used to describe the temporary suspension of a plan or activity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While widely understood, it's crucial to consider the context and audience, opting for more formal alternatives like "be suspended" or "be deferred" in professional settings. The phrase is most frequently found in News & Media sources, reflecting its utility in conveying current events and changes in plans. Remember to avoid using it when implying permanent cancellation; alternatives like "be shelved" are more appropriate in such cases.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be put on hold

Focuses more on a temporary suspension, implying a possible return to the activity later.

be suspended

Implies a temporary interruption, often due to specific circumstances or regulations.

be shelved

Suggests a more permanent cessation, with less likelihood of revival.

be frozen

Implies a complete halt to activity, often in a financial or economic context.

be deferred

Highlights the act of postponing to a later time, often with a specific future date in mind.

be postponed

Similar to 'deferred', but can also suggest a more indefinite delay.

be delayed

Indicates that progress is slower than expected, causing a setback.

be laid aside

Indicates something is temporarily set aside, often for later consideration.

be mothballed

Suggests placing something in protective storage, implying long-term inactivity.

be put in abeyance

Suggests a temporary state of inactivity or suspension, often in legal or formal contexts.

FAQs

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

You can use "be put on ice" to indicate that a project or plan is temporarily suspended. For example, "Due to budget cuts, the expansion plans have "been put on ice"."

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

"Be put on ice" and "be put on hold" are similar, but "be put on ice" can suggest a slightly longer or more indefinite pause. "Be put on hold" often implies a more immediate or easily resolvable delay.

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

Alternatives include "be shelved", "be suspended", or "be deferred", depending on the context and the reason for the pause.

Is it appropriate to use "be put on ice" in formal writing?

While "be put on ice" is widely understood, it is generally considered less formal. In more formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "be suspended" or "be deferred" to maintain a professional tone.