has been dangling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been dangling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that has been left unresolved or hanging for a period of time. Example: "The issue of funding for the project has been dangling for months, causing delays in our timeline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

The United States has been dangling this prospect skilfully in front of the other countries.

The Economist

Mr. Bush has been dangling that same as-soon-as-possible drawdown for years.

The New York Times

His isolation has made him more dependent on Russia, which has been dangling (though not releasing) a large credit line.

The Economist

While Wall Street has been dangling large numbers in front of states, the way it values the lotteries varies considerably.

The New York Times

So circus officials hired Elizabeth Rodriguez, whose family has been dangling by its follicles for five generations, to teach Ms. Weems.

The New York Times

"If it passes and is signed into law, we will be talking about nothing come then but about jobs," he told reporters, likening the threat of default to a "sword of Damocles" that has been dangling over the president's head.

The Washington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

It sounds as though what has been dangled in front of us as a clever engineering safeguard is, essentially, a Maginot line in a box.

The New Yorker

Indeed, the perception seems to be that Mr. Johnston has been dangled in public while his representatives in Alaska sit waiting for the phone to ring.

The New York Times

Instead, they may be trying to persuade key teams to peel away and create a new race series — a threat that has been dangled several times in the past.

The New York Times - Sports

When one of my songs is literal, it's because the story has been dangled in front of me like a cat toy and I can't stop myself from pouncing on it.

The New York Times

Why he would try to get away with this — and whether a plea deal has been dangled — will be the source of much speculation but, in the larger scheme of things, something more consequential may be going on.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "has been dangling" when you want to convey that something desirable or promising has been suggested or offered, but not yet delivered or finalized. It often implies a sense of anticipation or uncertainty.

Common error

Avoid using "has been dangling" to describe situations where something has already been fully provided or resolved. The phrase implies an ongoing state of anticipation, not a finished transaction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been dangling" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It describes an action that started in the past and continues into the present, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the "dangling" or offering of something.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "has been dangling" is a versatile verb phrase used to describe the act of offering or suggesting something desirable over a period of time, without necessarily delivering it fully. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. While acceptable in most situations, avoid it when implying completion, as it conveys ongoing anticipation. For formal contexts, consider more neutral alternatives like "has suggested". Related phrases include "has been teasing" or "has been hinting at".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been dangling the prospect of

Focuses on the potential or possibility of something.

has been dangling the possibility of

Emphasizes the unconfirmed aspect of a potential event.

has been dangling a carrot

Specifically refers to offering an incentive to motivate someone.

has been raising the possibility of

Emphasizes the act of introducing an idea or suggestion.

has been teasing with the idea of

Highlights the allure and incomplete nature of an offer.

has been teasing

Implies offering something enticing in small increments, often playfully.

has been floating the idea of

Implies informally introducing an idea for consideration.

has been holding out

Suggests withholding something to create anticipation or leverage.

has been hinting at

Indicates making subtle suggestions or allusions.

has been toying with

Conveys the idea of manipulating or experimenting with something without commitment.

FAQs

How can I use "has been dangling" in a sentence?

Use "has been dangling" to describe a situation where a promise, opportunity, or solution has been suggested or hinted at, but not yet fully realized. For instance, "The company "has been dangling promotions" to boost employee morale, but no one has actually been promoted yet."

What are some alternatives to "has been dangling"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "has been teasing", "has been holding out", or "has been hinting at". Each alternative carries a slightly different nuance.

Is it appropriate to use "has been dangling" in formal writing?

While "has been dangling" is generally acceptable, consider the tone and audience. In very formal contexts, a more neutral phrase like "has suggested" or "has proposed" might be more appropriate, avoiding the slightly informal connotation of "dangling".

What's the difference between "has been dangling" and "has been offered"?

"Has been offered" implies a direct and explicit offer, while "has been dangling" suggests a more subtle or indirect suggestion or promise. "Has been dangling" often carries a connotation of something being just out of reach or not yet fully committed to.