in a waiting pattern

USAGE SUMMARY

"in a waiting pattern" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation in which someone is in a state of anticipation or expecting something to happen. For example, "The crowd was in a waiting pattern, eagerly awaiting the arrival of the monarch."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Other things at the White House are in a waiting pattern, too, most noticeably the 2004 re-election campaign.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Let's say we're in a holding pattern, waiting for further explanation".

The New York Times

"Most consumers have been in a holding pattern, waiting for a reason to buy a car.

The New York Times

Directors and curators are thus in a holding pattern, waiting to see if year-end gifts materialize or membership revenues take a tumble.

The New York Times

Just as crucially the team seemed to be in a holding pattern waiting for 2010 MVP David Ferreira to return from injury and rescue their season.

The Guardian - Sport

So, some six months in, we're essentially in a holding pattern waiting for the regulatory hammers to come down.

TechCrunch

The market had been in a holding pattern waiting for the afternoon statement at the close of the Federal Reserve's monetary policy meeting, but early gains grew rapidly.

Forbes

This had the effect of putting researchers in a holding pattern, waiting months or years until their grant was finally funded.

Science Magazine

Many other Internet start-ups in the book that missed the earlier window a few years ago are in a holding pattern, waiting for the right moment to go public.

Forbes

Obama was in a holding pattern, waiting to see what horizon line he'd hit first: total political safety or utter political untenability.

Huffington Post

But, Joshua Huder of Georgetown University's Government Affairs Institute said, "they were essentially in a holding pattern, waiting for the Senate to act on Graham-Cassidy".

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in a waiting pattern" to describe scenarios where entities consciously delay action while monitoring developments or awaiting specific triggers.

Common error

Avoid using "in a waiting pattern" when describing situations where inaction results from a lack of resources or initiative, rather than a deliberate strategy.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in a waiting pattern" functions as a prepositional phrase, typically used adverbially to modify a verb, describing the state or condition in which an action is being performed or not performed. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Science

12%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in a waiting pattern" describes a state of temporary inactivity or suspension, anticipating a future event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, it conveys a sense of anticipation, delay, or suspension pending some future event, suitable for both formal and informal communication. When using the phrase, ensure it reflects a deliberate delay rather than inaction resulting from other causes. Alternative phrases like "in a holding state" can be used depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a holding state

A more concise and general way to express being in a temporary state of inaction.

in a state of anticipation

Focuses more on the emotional aspect of expecting something, rather than the deliberate holding back of action.

on hold awaiting developments

Emphasizes the suspension of activity pending future progress or changes.

in limbo pending resolution

Highlights the uncertainty and lack of progress until a decision or solution is reached.

biding time before

Suggests a more strategic approach to waiting, using the time to prepare for future action.

in suspension awaiting orders

Suggests a more formal or hierarchical context where actions are dictated by higher authority.

marking time until

Implies a passive approach to waiting, merely passing time until the desired event occurs.

awaiting further instructions

Focuses on the need for more guidance before proceeding, indicating a lack of autonomy.

in a preparatory phase

Highlights the activities being done to get ready for a future event, in contrast to merely waiting.

in a period of abeyance

A more formal term indicating temporary inactivity or suspension.

FAQs

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

You can use "in a waiting pattern" to describe a situation where someone or something is pausing or delaying action while anticipating a future event. For example, "The company is "in a waiting pattern", awaiting regulatory approval before launching the new product."

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

You can use alternatives like "in a holding state", "biding time before", or "awaiting further instructions" depending on the context.

Is "in a waiting pattern" formal or informal?

The phrase "in a waiting pattern" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts. It can be used in news reports, business communications, and even casual conversations.

What does it mean to be "in a waiting pattern"?

To be "in a waiting pattern" means to be in a state of temporary inactivity or suspension, anticipating a future event or change that will prompt further action.