be shelved

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be shelved" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something, such as a project or idea, will be put aside or postponed for the time being. Example: "Due to budget constraints, the new marketing campaign will be shelved until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Large, heavy books should be shelved on sturdy shelves, usually the lowest one.

WikiHow

Plans for more should be shelved.

The New York Times

Long-term questions can be shelved.

The Economist

Clearly that outlook must now be shelved.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are not to be shelved yet.

The New York Times

It's too idiosyncratic to be shelved under historical fiction.

The New Yorker

Arpaio's one-term campaign promise had to be shelved.

The New Yorker

"This condition," Mr. Ghazni warned, "cannot be shelved".

The New York Times

It is time for the triple lock to be shelved".

The Guardian - Money

Somehow, I think these projects might be shelved.

The New Yorker

This next round of secret deals should be shelved immediately".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be shelved" when you want to convey that a project, idea, or plan has been temporarily or permanently put aside. It's suitable when the decision to halt progress is deliberate.

Common error

Avoid using "be shelved" if the intention is to completely abandon something, as it implies a possibility of future revival. Use terms like "discarded" or "abandoned" for permanent cessation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of the phrase "be shelved" is to act as a passive verb, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action. Ludwig AI confirms the validity of this structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

77%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be shelved" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that something has been put aside or postponed. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness and common usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media sources, suggesting a neutral register. When using this phrase, consider whether the intention is a temporary delay or a permanent cessation, as alternatives like "be abandoned" might be more appropriate for the latter. Understanding these nuances ensures precise and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be postponed

Focuses specifically on delaying an event or action to a later time.

be put on hold

Implies a temporary suspension of an activity or plan.

be set aside

Suggests that something is reserved or kept for later use or consideration.

be deferred

Formally postpones an action or decision.

be suspended

Indicates a temporary interruption or cessation of something.

be tabled

Formally postpones discussion or consideration of a motion or proposal.

be pigeonholed

Places something in a specific category, often with negative connotations of being overlooked.

be sidelined

Removes someone or something from a position of importance or activity.

be discarded

Suggests something is no longer needed or useful and is thrown away.

be abandoned

Indicates that something has been completely given up or left behind.

FAQs

How can I use "be shelved" in a sentence?

The phrase "be shelved" is used to indicate that something is put aside or postponed. For example, "The project will "be shelved" due to budget cuts."

What can I say instead of "be shelved"?

You can use alternatives like "be postponed", "be put on hold", or "be set aside" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "the idea was shelved" or "the idea was be shelved"?

"The idea was shelved" is correct. The auxiliary verb "be" should not be repeated when using the passive voice in this construction.

What is the difference between "be shelved" and "be abandoned"?

"Be shelved" suggests a temporary postponement with the possibility of future revival, whereas "be abandoned" implies a complete cessation with no intention of resuming.