in a standoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in a standoff" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where two parties are in a deadlock or impasse, often in a conflict or negotiation context. Example: "The negotiations reached a critical point, and both sides found themselves in a standoff, unwilling to compromise."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

The two sides are in a standoff.

The New York Times

"We are in a standoff.

The Guardian

The soldiers remain there in a standoff with Kurdish forces.

The New York Times

The shouting between the groups ended in a standoff.

The New York Times

One second, the two were frozen in a standoff, Thunder straining at the leash.

The New Yorker

The tale ends in a standoff; Frank is gone and Joe has given up the chase.

The New Yorker

Yemen is trapped in a standoff, a leaderless twilight of uncertainty.

The New York Times

The controversy is rooted in a standoff between Mr. Khan and Shiv Sena's leader, Bal Thackeray.

The New York Times

They remind me of two teenage gangs in a standoff, neither side willing to budge.

The New York Times

This has eased tensions in a standoff that many feared would end in war.

The New York Times

The panel's members, evenly divided between the two parties, spent most of September in a standoff.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a standoff" to describe situations where opposing forces, groups, or individuals are in a deadlock, unable to make progress or reach a resolution. Ensure the context clearly defines the opposing entities.

Common error

Avoid using "in a standoff" when only one party is involved. This phrase requires at least two opposing sides unable to move forward.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a standoff" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically modifying a verb or noun. According to Ludwig AI, it describes a state of confrontation or deadlock, highlighting a lack of resolution between opposing sides. Ludwig provides numerous examples of its usage in varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a standoff" is a commonly used prepositional phrase to describe a situation of deadlock or confrontation, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is grammatically correct and widely employed in various contexts, particularly in news and media. While it's suitable for formal writing, avoid using it when only one party is involved. Alternative phrases like "in a deadlock" or "at an impasse" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. Ludwig's analysis highlights its neutral register and frequent use in objective reporting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a deadlock

Indicates a situation where progress is impossible due to opposing forces, similar to a standoff but emphasizes the lack of movement.

in a stalemate

Highlights the balanced opposition where neither side can gain an advantage, very close in meaning to "in a standoff".

at loggerheads

Emphasizes the state of disagreement and conflict, focusing on the contentious nature of the situation.

at an impasse

Implies a point where agreement or progress cannot be reached, stressing the blockage in negotiations or actions.

locked in conflict

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the dispute or battle, highlighting the engagement of opposing sides.

embroiled in a dispute

Suggests a deep involvement in a contentious issue, emphasizing the complex and entangling nature of the disagreement.

deadlocked

A single-word adjective emphasizing the inability to proceed due to conflicting positions.

at odds

Indicates disagreement or conflict, often suggesting a fundamental difference in opinion or interest.

locked in a battle

Highlights the struggle or competition between parties, focusing on the active and contested nature of the situation.

facing off

Describes the direct confrontation or positioning of opposing forces ready to engage, emphasizing the immediate tension.

FAQs

How can I use "in a standoff" in a sentence?

Use "in a standoff" to describe a situation where two or more parties are facing each other and neither is willing to back down. For example, "The negotiations between the companies resulted "in a standoff"".

What's the difference between "in a standoff" and "in a deadlock"?

While both phrases describe a lack of progress, "in a standoff" often implies a more active or confrontational situation, whereas "in a deadlock" suggests a complete inability to move forward.

What can I say instead of "in a standoff"?

You can use alternatives like "at an impasse", "in a stalemate", or "at loggerheads" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "in a standoff" in formal writing?

Yes, "in a standoff" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly in news reporting, business analysis, and academic discussions. Its neutral tone and clear meaning make it suitable for various contexts.