has been idle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "has been idle" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of inactivity or lack of use over a period of time. Example: "The machinery has been idle for several weeks due to maintenance issues."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

But since then, he has been idle.

The New York Times

He has been idle for the last year and a half, said his worried grandmother.

The New York Times

Saab's primary production plant in Trollhattan has been idle since May.

The New York Times

It has been idle since then, rusting in the salt air.

The New York Times

Igor Larionov, one of their centers, has been idle since May 7 with what the Wings call a knee injury.

The New York Times - Sports

In recent years it has been idle, waiting for some savior to step in and halt its slow deterioration.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

11 human-written examples

ZZ TOP has been idling for a while.

The New York Times - Arts

Texas's unemployment rate is 8.2%, according to the Texas Workforce Commission, and has been idling there for some months.

The Economist

Officials from the Port of Long Beach estimated that $650 million in trade has been idled each day of the strike.

The New York Times

The plane goes to full power — only now does one appreciate that the aircraft has been idling, dawdling.

The New Yorker

The plane goes to full power only now does one appreciate that the aircraft has been idling, dawdling.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing equipment or facilities, use "has been idle" to clearly indicate a period of non-use, providing context for potential maintenance or reactivation needs.

Common error

Avoid assuming that something "has been idle" implies it's permanently out of service. Always clarify whether the inactivity is temporary or indefinite to prevent misunderstandings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "has been idle" functions as a stative verb phrase indicating a prolonged state of inactivity. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing conditions where something has remained unused or non-operational over a period.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Science

23%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "has been idle" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression to describe something that has been inactive for a period. As Ludwig AI indicates, it's often found in news, scientific, and general contexts, denoting a temporary or prolonged state of non-use. While indicating something is not currently in use, be sure to provide information about if it's likely to restart, the time frame involved and other relevant considerations. Related phrases include "has been inactive" and "has been unused". Avoid the mistake of interpreting "has been idle" as a permanent condition without proper clarification.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been inactive

Focuses on a general state of being not active or operational, rather than specifically unused.

has been dormant

Emphasizes a temporary state of inactivity, suggesting a potential for future activity.

has been unused

Highlights the lack of utilization, suitable when emphasizing the absence of use.

has been inoperative

Focuses on the inability to function or operate.

has been out of service

Indicates a temporary or permanent removal from active duty or functionality.

has been nonfunctional

Implies a state of not working or being unable to perform its intended function.

has been decommissioned

Suggests a formal removal from service, often permanently.

has been mothballed

Indicates being taken out of operation and stored for potential future use.

has ceased operation

Emphasizes the termination of activity or functioning.

has shut down

Highlights the action of stopping operation, often abruptly.

FAQs

What does "has been idle" mean?

The phrase "has been idle" means that something has been inactive or not in use for a period of time. This can refer to machinery, equipment, facilities, or even people.

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

You can use "has been idle" to describe anything that hasn't been active or in use. For example: "The factory "has been idle" for months", or "The programmer "has been inactive" since he quit his job".

What are some alternatives to "has been idle"?

Some alternatives to "has been idle" include "has been inactive", "has been unused", "has been dormant", or "has been out of service". The best choice depends on the specific context.

What is the difference between "has been idle" and "is idle"?

"Has been idle" indicates a state of inactivity that started in the past and continues to the present. "Is idle" describes a current state of inactivity without necessarily implying a duration. For instance, "The machine "is idle"" simply means it's not currently running, while "the machine "has been idle"" indicates it hasn't been running for some time.