in a standstill

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a standstill" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation in which all activity has ceased and nothing is happening. For example, "The negotiations between the two countries had reached a standstill."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

This is not the finished product, we don't live in a standstill world anyway," Parry said.

The Guardian

Pleasant has been in a standstill with the Redskins over the past few weeks.

The Washington Post

Conversations with Columbia University, which houses the bulk of Page's Powell archive on loan, ended in a standstill.

The New Yorker

"We've sort of been in a standstill for years, especially since Obama took over," Mr. Higgins said.

The New York Times

We would expect them, in a standstill position, to be getting a swing of anywhere between 15% to 18%.

The Guardian

In a standstill condition, apparent yield stress and thixotropy increased significantly with time while torque plastic viscosity values changed only in a limited range.

Construction and Building Materials

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

In January, a standstill agreement limiting Rio Tinto's holding in Ivanhoe to 49 percent expired.

The New York Times

Just a year before, Liveris agreed with Loeb to add four new board members in exchange for a standstill in the activist pressure.

Huffington Post

Pedestrian traffic in the Yankee Stadium concourse lurched to a standstill in the first inning when Rodriguez stepped to the plate.

The New York Times - Sports

We are simultaneously in freefall and at a standstill, in a moment of intense and collective disorientation.

The Guardian

The strategic value of collaboration between INSP and FUNSALUD was proven when the ambitious second wave of health reform started in 1983 came to a standstill in 1989, when the decentralization process was interrupted.

Health Research Policy and Systems

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a standstill" to describe situations where progress or movement has ceased, especially when referring to negotiations, traffic, or processes. For example, "Negotiations between the unions and management are currently in a standstill."

Common error

Avoid using "on a standstill" or "to a standstill". The correct preposition is "in". So, it is correct to say, "The project is currently in a standstill" rather than "on a standstill."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a standstill" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb or noun to describe a state of inactivity or cessation. As Ludwig AI explains, it describes a situation where all activity has ceased. For example, 'Negotiations are in a standstill.'

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "in a standstill" is a grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to describe a state of inactivity or cessation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is appropriate for indicating a halt in progress, as shown in various examples across news, science, and academic contexts. While "in a standstill" is not extremely common, its use is well-established and understood, making it a reliable choice for expressing the idea of something being halted or paused. Remember to use the correct preposition "in" rather than alternatives like "on" or "to". This will ensure correct usage and avoid common errors.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

This alternative uses "at" instead of "in", offering a slightly different prepositional emphasis while maintaining the core meaning.

at a deadlock

Replaces "standstill" with "deadlock", highlighting the impasse or inability to progress further.

in a state of stagnation

Substitutes "standstill" with "state of stagnation", emphasizing the lack of movement or development.

in a state of inertia

Replaces "standstill" with "state of inertia", highlighting the lack of motion or change due to inactivity.

in a frozen state

Uses "frozen state" to convey a sense of immobility and lack of progress, differing in imagery.

brought to a halt

Shifts the focus to the action of stopping something, rather than the state itself.

come to a stop

Similar to "brought to a halt", this emphasizes the action of ceasing movement.

at an impasse

Focuses on the point of disagreement or blockage that prevents progress.

unable to proceed

Highlights the inability to continue or move forward.

completely inactive

Shifts the focus to the lack of activity rather than the state of being stopped.

FAQs

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

Use "in a standstill" to describe a situation where activity or progress has stopped. For example, "The peace talks are currently "at a standstill"".

What's a synonym for "in a standstill"?

Synonyms for "in a standstill" include phrases like "at a deadlock", "in a state of stagnation", or "brought to a halt".

Is it correct to say "at a standstill" or "in a standstill"?

Both ""at a standstill"" and "in a standstill" are grammatically correct and commonly used. The choice often depends on the specific context and desired emphasis, with "at" highlighting a specific point and "in" suggesting a broader state.

What does it mean when something is "in a standstill"?

When something is described as "in a standstill", it means that it is not progressing or moving forward. This can apply to various situations, such as negotiations, traffic, or projects. It implies a temporary or prolonged state of inactivity.