fall into abeyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "fall into abeyance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to express a situation in which something is inactive or temporarily ignored. For example: "With the death of the monarch, the ancient laws fell into abeyance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nseers was allowed to fall into abeyance in 2011 after DHS and FBI officials concluded that it was discriminatory and ineffective.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

Royal ceremonies had fallen into abeyance, and the throne's political influence had atrophied.

The Economist

But the council fell into abeyance during the Civil Wars and was finally abolished after the Glorious Revolution (1688 89).

Britannica

To this period also belongs the revival, in 1812, of the Abitur (the school-leaving examination), which had fallen into abeyance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

She had spoken often on animal welfare since 1990, when she revived the family title, which had fallen into abeyance on her mother's death in 1974.

The Guardian

In an earlier discussion of names falling into abeyance in the Pennines McKie adds ruefully: "Clegg, too, is on the slide".

The Guardian - Books

It is disturbing to read the historian's summary: "..The actual effect was disastrous, and the edict soon fell into abeyance".

The New Yorker

The more commonly used public interest immunity (PII) certificates, which prevent evidence being used by either side in a court case, may be falling into abeyance.

The Guardian

The "original" Dylan Thomas literary award was established in the early 1980s, with a much smaller purse, but fell into abeyance after funding was exhausted.

The Guardian - Books

The idea for a show at the Cartoon Museum, where I have been on the board of trustees for some years, fell into abeyance until the approach of his 90th birthday; this time we proposed a more general exhibition and I was delighted when he responded positively.

The Guardian - Arts

While he notes that "you can argue that it is no longer relevant and has fallen into abeyance, ISIS would argue that these institutions need to be revived".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "fall into abeyance" when referring to laws, customs, titles, or practices that have become temporarily inactive or disused due to changing circumstances or neglect. Consider the implication of eventual revival or reemergence.

Common error

Avoid using "fall into abeyance" when the intention is to convey that something has been permanently abolished or terminated. Opt for terms like "abolished", "repealed", or "defunct" instead to reflect the finality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "fall into abeyance" primarily functions as a verbal phrase, often used with a subject to describe the condition or state of something becoming temporarily inactive or suspended. Ludwig AI highlights its usage across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

38%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

14%

Less common in

Science

17%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "fall into abeyance" is a useful expression to describe something that has become temporarily inactive or suspended. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and sees use across diverse written sources. While commonly found in news articles, encyclopedias, and scientific publications, it is less frequent in formal business contexts. To avoid confusion, ensure that you use this phrase only when referring to something that could be revived, and not something permanently terminated. Alternatives like "become dormant" or "go into suspension" may be more appropriate depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

go into suspension

This suggests a temporary cessation of activity, often with the expectation of resumption, closely aligning with one aspect of "fall into abeyance".

become inactive

This is a more general term indicating a cessation of activity, overlapping with the core meaning of "fall into abeyance".

lapse into disuse

This emphasizes the neglect and abandonment aspect, similar to "fall into abeyance" when referring to practices or customs.

become dormant

This suggests a state of inactivity or suspended animation, similar to "fall into abeyance" but implies a potential for future reactivation.

be put on hold

This phrase is more informal but indicates a temporary pause or deferral, akin to "fall into abeyance" in certain contexts.

go by the board

This idiom suggests something is neglected or abandoned, sharing the sense of disuse with "fall into abeyance".

be shelved

This implies that something is postponed or set aside, sharing the sense of inactivity with "fall into abeyance" but often suggesting a more deliberate decision.

cease to operate

This is a more literal description of inactivity, broadly similar to "fall into abeyance" but lacking the nuance of gradual decline or neglect.

become defunct

This implies something has ceased to exist or function, representing a more permanent state than "fall into abeyance".

be discontinued

This implies a deliberate ending or cessation, differing from "fall into abeyance" which can suggest a more passive or unintentional process.

FAQs

What does it mean for something to "fall into abeyance"?

When something "falls into abeyance", it becomes temporarily inactive, suspended, or unused. It suggests a state where something is not currently in effect but could potentially be revived or reinstated in the future.

How can I use "fall into abeyance" in a sentence?

You can use "fall into abeyance" to describe laws, customs, or practices that are no longer actively enforced or followed. For example, "The old law fell into abeyance after the new legislation was passed."

What's a more formal way to say "fall into abeyance"?

A more formal alternative to "fall into abeyance" could be "go into suspension" or "become dormant", depending on the specific context.

Is "fall into abeyance" the same as "abolished"?

No, "fall into abeyance" implies a temporary state of disuse, while "abolished" means something has been permanently eliminated or terminated. Something in abeyance can potentially be revived, while something abolished cannot.