create a standoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "create a standoff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where a situation has reached a point of impasse or confrontation, often in negotiations or conflicts. Example: "The two parties were unable to reach an agreement, leading them to create a standoff that lasted for weeks."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The city's plan could create a standoff with Joseph J. Sitt, a shopping center developer who said he had spent more than $120 million buying 10 acres in the heart of Coney Island's frayed amusement district.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

That has created a standoff.

The New York Times - Arts

A man then began firing at officers from inside the house, creating a standoff.

The New York Times

But the detainees, though loyal to Mr. Arafat, refused to be sent to jail, creating a standoff, Palestinians said.

The New York Times

Instead of creating a standoff, the state entered a consent decree and re-examined its educational funding and policies.

The New York Times

ROME (AP) — About 150 Gypsies, whose camp had been dismantled, took refuge in one of this city's ancient basilicas, creating a standoff on Saturday with city officials.

The New York Times

A spontaneous blockade of a parking garage formed, creating a standoff between screaming Trump supporters in the multi-level lot and screaming protesters on the ground below.

The Guardian

A spontaneous blockade of a parking garage formed, creating a standoff between screaming Trump supporters in the multi-level garage and screaming protesters on the ground below.

The Guardian

The tribe said the state could not inspect or repair a bridge that carries the highway over a creek on the reservation without receiving tribal authorization, creating a standoff over who controls the land the highway was built on.

The New York Times

Her two-car convoy, in which she was accompanied by 14 supporters, was halted -- as similar forays have been in the past -- creating a standoff in the small town of Dala, just south of the capital, Yangon.

The New York Times

The session of the People's Consultative Assembly, the highest legislative body, created a standoff, with Mr. Wahid staying stubbornly in his palace, refusing to recognize the validity of the parliamentary action.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "create a standoff", ensure the context clearly indicates the opposing forces or entities involved and the specific issue causing the deadlock.

Common error

Avoid using "create a standoff" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler terms like "cause a disagreement" or "start an argument" for everyday situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "create a standoff" functions as a verb phrase followed by a noun phrase. It describes the action of initiating or causing a situation of conflict or deadlock. Ludwig AI analysis indicates its common use in contexts involving disputes or disagreements.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

20%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "create a standoff" is a grammatically sound expression used to describe the act of initiating or resulting in a deadlock or conflict. As Ludwig AI points out, it is most frequently encountered in news and media contexts, where the term serves to describe impasses in negotiations, disputes, or other confrontational situations. While "create a standoff" is suitable for neutral to formal communication, simpler alternatives may be more appropriate for informal settings. Understanding the contexts in which this phrase is most effective helps writers to deploy it accurately and appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

generate an impasse

Highlights the creation of a situation where agreement is impossible.

cause a stalemate

Focuses on the act of bringing about a standstill.

establish a stalemate

Emphasizes a situation where neither side can progress, highlighting the lack of movement.

foster a deadlock

Suggests nurturing or encouraging a situation where progress is blocked.

initiate a deadlock

Highlights the beginning of a situation where no progress is possible.

provoke a confrontation

Focuses on the act of instigating a direct and often hostile encounter.

trigger a confrontation

Emphasizes the action that sets off a face-to-face conflict.

precipitate a crisis

Implies hastening a critical and unstable situation.

spark a contention

Implies causing a disagreement or dispute to arise suddenly.

ignite a conflict

Focuses on the start of a dispute or battle.

FAQs

How can I use "create a standoff" in a sentence?

You can use "create a standoff" to describe a situation where opposing forces or parties reach a point of impasse. For example: "The conflicting demands of the unions and management "created a standoff" that lasted for weeks."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "create a standoff"?

Similar phrases include "establish a stalemate", "generate an impasse", or "provoke a confrontation". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.

Is "create a standoff" formal or informal?

"Create a standoff" is suitable for neutral to formal contexts, often appearing in news reports and analytical writing. In casual settings, simpler terms might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "create a standoff" and "resolve a standoff"?

"Create a standoff" refers to the act of causing or initiating a deadlock, while "resolve a standoff" means to find a solution to end an existing deadlock.