idling

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'idling' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is generally used as a verb, meaning to delay or wait in an inactive state. Example sentence: The car was idling in the driveway as the driver waited for his friend.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But even before he could feel the tarmac beneath his feet and settle into the sleek grey Jaguar idling on the apron, the reality of his predicament became clear.

The Guardian - Business

For example, all BMW's four-cylinder engines (both petrol and diesel) will come with "start-stop" technology to cut the engine when it is idling.

The Economist

AFTER a summer of idling, America's job-creation machine spluttered back into life in October.

The Economist

Billions of dollars sit idling on the balance-sheets of energy and mining companies (it is this money that fuels the growing speculation that China's steel companies may top BHP Billiton's takeover bid for Rio Tinto, a mining giant).

The Economist

Porsche and others claim to be saving up to 5% with so-called Start/Stop systems that temporarily shut off an engine rather than idling, automatically firing it back up when the driver's foot lifts off the brake.Still other makers are using battery power to enhance performance, including both Ferrari, with its new LaFerrari supercar, and McLaren with its own "ultracar," the P1.

The Economist

With 200 ships idling off the west coast, and scores more heading across the Pacific, manufacturers were missing parts, retailers could not plan their Christmas shelves and farmers could not sell food to Asia.

The Economist

So, faced with the prospect of sinking further under water this year, the shipping lines began idling or scrapping older vessels.

The Economist

DEEP in the heart of Texas, an unexpected sight comes into view: a herd of scimitar-horned oryx, one of the rarest breeds of antelope, idling gracefully across the grassland.

The Economist

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

The Economist

Several other big firms have since offered similar schemes.In this section Blood and stock Management shortfall Flint sparks fly The Irvine wives Sayonara, sarariman Fallen star He who pays the piper ReprintsOne problem is knowing just what to do with all those men idling by the window.

The Economist

To general chagrin they could not shake off the lingering influence of Britain, whose soldiers refused to budge from the Suez Canal where they had been encamped since 1882.The officers' coup replaced this genteel but dysfunctional constitutional monarchy with one-party rule, fronted by a strongman and backed by secret police, with the tanks idling nearby.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing vehicles, use "idling" to specifically refer to the engine running while the vehicle is stationary. This can highlight issues of fuel consumption or environmental impact.

Common error

Avoid using "idle" as a verb. While "idle" can function as an adjective describing a state of inactivity, "idling" is the correct verb form to describe the action of running without moving.

Linguistic Context

"Idling" primarily functions as a verb, specifically the present participle of the verb "idle". It describes an ongoing action or state of inactivity, often related to engines or systems operating at a minimal level. Ludwig confirms this grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Social Media

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "idling" functions primarily as a verb, specifically the present participle of "idle", indicating a state of inactivity or low-level operation. Ludwig AI confirms this and provides numerous examples from reputable sources. Its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedias, with a neutral formality suitable for various situations. Common errors include confusing "idling" with the adjective "idle". To ensure clarity, always use "idling" to describe the action of running without moving. For similar concepts, consider alternatives like "at a standstill" or "ticking over", each with slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

Describes a complete cessation of movement or activity, emphasizing a state of being stopped.

in neutral

Specifically refers to a disengaged gear in a vehicle, suggesting a state of readiness without forward motion.

ticking over

Implies a minimal level of activity or operation, often used for engines or systems that are running but not actively engaged.

loafing around

Suggests lazy or unproductive inactivity, often implying a lack of purpose or direction.

dawdling

Indicates slow and aimless movement or activity, often implying a delay or lack of urgency.

lingering

Implies a prolonged stay or continuation in a particular state or location, often without a specific purpose.

at rest

Describes a state of being still and inactive, often implying a temporary or intentional pause.

marking time

Suggests engaging in activity without making real progress or achieving meaningful results.

vegetating

Implies a passive and uneventful existence, often lacking stimulation or purpose.

taking it easy

Suggests relaxing and avoiding strenuous activity, often implying a temporary break or vacation.

FAQs

How is "idling" used in a sentence?

You can use "idling" to describe the state of an engine running while stationary, such as: "The taxi was "idling" outside the hotel."

What are some synonyms for "idling"?

Alternatives to "idling" include "ticking over", "at a standstill", or "in neutral", depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "the car is idle" when it's running but not moving?

While "idle" can describe a state of inactivity, it's more accurate to say "the car is "idling"" when the engine is running but the vehicle is not moving. "Idle" functions better as an adjective.

What's the environmental impact of vehicles "idling"?

"Idling" vehicles contribute to air pollution and waste fuel. Many cities have implemented regulations to reduce unnecessary vehicle "idling".