be suspended on

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be suspended on" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where something is temporarily held or supported by another object or condition. Example: "The artwork will be suspended on the wall using invisible wires to create a floating effect."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They will be suspended on Monday for a religious holiday.

The New York Times

The bats appear to be suspended on strings and are plainly made of rubber.

The New York Times

If they got into a fight over the weekend, they would be suspended on Monday.

The New Yorker

The accident caused subway service to be suspended on the Lexington lines in both directions.

The New York Times

Horse and rider must appear to be suspended on a string, moving effortlessly.

The Guardian - Sport

Procedures vary, but generally, a driver's license can be suspended on the basis of a physician's written statement.

Harvard University

Alternate-side parking regulations in New York City will be suspended on Monday in observance of Lincoln's Birthday.

The New York Times

Roadworks will be suspended on a number of major routes as millions head off on the bank holiday weekend.

Independent

In New York City, because of Shavuot, alternate-side street-cleaning regulations will be suspended on Wednesday and Thursday.

The New York Times

Also, tolls will be suspended on the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge, Throgs Neck Bridge and Bronx-Whitestone Bridge.

The New York Times

Trading in cotton yarn futures will be suspended on Dec. 1 and will formally end in April 2004.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "be suspended on" to clearly describe an object being supported from above, creating a visual image of suspension. For example, "The chandelier will be suspended on a strong chain."

Common error

Avoid using "hanging" when "suspended" is more appropriate to convey a controlled or designed suspension. "Hanging" might imply a less stable or more casual arrangement. Use "The mobile will be suspended on thin wires" instead of "The mobile will be hanging on thin wires" to show precision.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be suspended on" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating a state of being held or supported by something. It emphasizes the method of support, as Ludwig demonstrates. This is generally used to describe physical relationships or dependencies.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "be suspended on" is a versatile and grammatically sound construction used to describe an object's state of being held or supported by something else. As Ludwig confirms, it is commonly found in contexts ranging from news and media to scientific and academic writing. Usage analysis reveals that while it maintains a neutral register, its specific formality can vary depending on context. Related phrases offer alternatives like "be hanging from" or "be supported by", each with subtle differences in nuance. To ensure clarity, it's advisable to select the most precise word to avoid confusion. The widespread presence of "be suspended on" in authoritative sources underscores its reliability and utility in formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be held by

Highlights the act of holding or keeping something in place.

be hanging from

Focuses on the act of hanging, often implying a downward orientation.

be supported by

Emphasizes the support provided by something else, removing the visual aspect of suspension.

be resting on

Suggests a more stable and less dynamic form of support.

be upheld by

Implies a sense of maintaining or defending something.

be mounted on

Implies a more fixed or permanent attachment.

be propped up by

Suggests a temporary or makeshift form of support.

be affixed to

Suggests a firm and often adhesive attachment.

be sustained by

Focuses on the idea of something being maintained or kept alive by something else.

be attached to

A general term for being connected to something.

FAQs

How can I use "be suspended on" in a sentence?

The phrase "be suspended on" indicates that something is being held or supported by something else, typically from above. For example, "The trapeze artist will be suspended on a rope" or "The decorations will be suspended on wires".

What are some alternatives to "be suspended on"?

Alternatives include "be hanging from", "be supported by", or "be held by", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "be suspended on" and "be hanging on"?

"Be suspended on" often implies a more deliberate or engineered form of support, whereas "be hanging on" can suggest a more casual or less stable arrangement. For example, a bridge is "suspended", while a picture might be "hanging".

When is it most appropriate to use "be suspended on"?

Use "be suspended on" when you want to emphasize that an object is being held aloft or supported by a specific element. It's common in technical descriptions, artistic contexts, or when describing physical arrangements where the support structure is important.