have been idling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "have been idling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of inactivity or lack of progress over a period of time. Example: "The engine has been idling for too long, wasting fuel and causing unnecessary emissions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

As a result, drivers have been idling in standstill traffic and enduring horrendous commutes over alternate routes.

The New York Times

G.M., Ford and Chrysler have been idling factories for a week or two at a time and furloughing the workers.

The New York Times

Fewer trains have been idling recently and the situation has improved somewhat in recent weeks, Mr. Schaumburg said.

The New York Times

But even though the Blue Jays have been idling in third place behind both the Yankees and Boston for almost a decade, Wells's outlook is a little different.

The New York Times - Sports

Even when they were at home, they would never have been idling around in their nightclothes at eleven in the morning; they would have been at work for hours already, in the kitchen or turning out the lodgers' rooms, with their sleeves rolled up and coarse aprons tied over their clothes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

Four coal mines have been idled recently because they are no longer viable.

The Economist

Already thousands of workers have been idled because coastal Louisiana east of the Mississippi River has been closed down.

The New York Times - Science

Fishing and shrimping boats that normally ply the gulf's waters have been idled amid a fishing ban.

The New York Times

Steel mills, tractor plants, mines and construction sites have been idled across Russia and unemployment is rising.

The New York Times

Referring to the plants that have been idled, Eric Lee, a commodities expert at Citibank, said: "Is that going to be temporary or permanent?

The New York Times

The North is chronically short of fuel and diesel oil, and many factories have been idled because of a lack of power and raw materials.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "have been idling" to describe vehicles, consider the environmental implications and potential for fuel waste.

Common error

Avoid using "have been idling" in contexts where active waiting or readiness is implied; instead, opt for phrases that convey anticipation or preparation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "have been idling" functions as a present perfect continuous verb phrase. It indicates an action (idling) that started in the past and has continued up to the present. Ludwig provides examples where this phrase describes vehicles, organizations, or even abstract concepts in a state of inactivity.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "have been idling" is a present perfect continuous verb phrase used to describe a state of inactivity or lack of progress that began in the past and continues to the present. As Ludwig AI confirms, its grammatical structure is correct, and it is found predominantly in news and media sources. When writing, be mindful of its connotation, which suggests a temporary pause rather than complete cessation, and avoid using it in contexts where active waiting or readiness is implied. While only a few instances of this phrase exist in the provided data, its presence in authoritative sources like "The New York Times" underscores its validity and proper usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

have been inactive

Emphasizes a state of not being active or engaged.

have been dormant

Suggests a period of inactivity resembling sleep, implying potential for future activity.

have been at a standstill

Focuses on the complete cessation of movement or progress.

have been marking time

Indicates engaging in activity that makes little or no progress.

have been stagnating

Highlights a lack of growth or development, often with negative connotations.

have been dawdling

Suggests moving or progressing slowly and aimlessly.

have been lingering

Implies a prolonged period of inactivity or slow progress.

have been loafing

Indicates spending time idly or lazily.

have been vegetating

Suggests a passive and uneventful existence, often implying a lack of mental or physical activity.

have been inert

Highlights a lack of ability or tendency to move or react.

FAQs

How can I use "have been idling" in a sentence?

You can use "have been idling" to describe something that has been inactive or not progressing for some time. For instance, "The project "has been idling" due to lack of funding."

What are some alternatives to saying "have been idling"?

Alternatives include phrases like "have been inactive", "have been dormant", or "have been at a standstill" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "has been idling" instead of "have been idling"?

Yes, "has been idling" is correct when referring to a singular subject, while "have been idling" is used for plural subjects or with the pronoun "you".

What's the difference between "have been idling" and "have been waiting"?

"Have been idling" implies a state of relative inactivity, while "have been waiting" suggests anticipation or expectation of something to happen. An engine might "have been idling", but people "have been waiting" for a bus.