in a holding pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a holding pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a situation in which nothing is progressing or changing, and it may refer to both literal and figurative situations. For example, you might say, "The final decision is in a holding pattern until the meeting next week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Business

Travel

Arts

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"The economy is in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

But we're in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

We're in a holding pattern".

The New York Times

Everything's in a holding pattern.

The Washington Post

But he's in a holding pattern.

The New York Times - Sports

Right now, we're in a holding pattern".

The New York Times

The rest were in a holding pattern.

The New York Times - Travel

Howard remains in a holding pattern.

The Washington Post

"We are not in a holding pattern," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

The company's been in a holding pattern ever since".

The New York Times

But sentiment appeared to be in a holding pattern.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a holding pattern" when you want to convey a sense of temporary inactivity or suspension, especially while waiting for external factors to change or for a decision to be made. For example, "The project is in a holding pattern until we receive funding."

Common error

Avoid using "in a holding pattern" if the situation is permanently stagnant. This phrase implies a temporary pause, not a complete cessation. For a permanent situation, consider phrases like "at a standstill" or "defunct".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a holding pattern" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the state or condition of something. It describes a temporary state of suspension or inactivity, as Ludwig AI confirms with its numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Formal & Business

20%

Sports

11%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Reference

7%

Science

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a holding pattern" is a common and versatile expression used to describe situations where progress is temporarily paused, awaiting future developments or external changes. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely used, appearing frequently in news, business, and sports contexts. While suitable for most general and professional communications, more formal alternatives may be preferred in highly academic settings. When using this phrase, ensure the situation is genuinely temporary and not a permanent state of stagnation. By understanding its nuances and context, you can effectively use "in a holding pattern" to convey a sense of temporary inactivity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of suspension

This alternative emphasizes the temporary halt of an activity or process.

temporarily stalled

This phrase highlights the temporary nature of the lack of progress.

marking time

This suggests a period of inactivity while waiting for something to happen.

at a standstill

Implies a complete cessation of movement or progress.

on ice

Suggests a deliberate postponement or delay.

in limbo

This conveys a sense of uncertainty and being in an unresolved state.

awaiting developments

Focuses on waiting for further events to unfold before taking action.

in abeyance

A more formal term for temporary suspension.

on hold

Indicates a temporary pause, often with the expectation of resumption.

in suspended animation

Emphasizes a state of inactivity or dormancy, awaiting a future revival.

FAQs

How can I use "in a holding pattern" in a sentence?

You can use "in a holding pattern" to describe situations where progress is temporarily paused. For example, "Our expansion plans are "in a holding pattern" until the economy improves".

What's the difference between "in a holding pattern" and "stalled"?

"In a holding pattern" suggests a planned or expected pause, whereas "stalled" implies an unexpected or problematic halt. The former suggests a temporary state, while the latter could imply a more indefinite stop.

What are some alternatives to "in a holding pattern"?

You can use alternatives like "in a state of suspension", "temporarily stalled", or "marking time", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in a holding pattern" in formal writing?

Yes, "in a holding pattern" is suitable for various writing contexts, including formal writing, especially in business or news settings. However, more formal alternatives like "in abeyance" may be preferable in highly academic contexts.