in abeyance

USAGE SUMMARY

"in abeyance" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to be temporarily postponed or suspended, and is usually associated with legal or government matters. For example: "The bill remained in abeyance as the Senate voted on more pressing matters."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

57 human-written examples

"Because they do not, defendant's motion to dismiss this case or hold it in abeyance is denied".

Vice

Judgment was held in abeyance.

The New Yorker

Concerns about inflation remained in abeyance.

The New York Times

Feuds were held in abeyance.

The New York Times

The weather was glorious; even the pollution stayed in abeyance.

The New Yorker

The euro crisis is in abeyance, not at an end.

The Economist

The euro crisis may be in abeyance for now.

The New York Times

Brazil's claim to regional leadership is also in abeyance.

The Economist

Ethnic animosities are in abeyance, but they are not gone.

The New York Times

Since then, the Constitution has been placed in abeyance.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

It's in abeyance.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in abeyance" when you want to indicate a temporary suspension or postponement of a decision, activity, or law. It's particularly suitable in formal or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "in abeyance" if the suspension is intended to be permanent. The phrase specifically implies a temporary state awaiting future action or resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in abeyance" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or verb to indicate a state of temporary suspension or postponement. As confirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound. Examples show it describing the status of laws, projects, or discussions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

25%

Encyclopedias

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

8%

Reference

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "in abeyance" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase used to indicate a temporary suspension or postponement, typically in formal or legal contexts. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is well-established and correctly used in the English language. It is commonly found in news articles, scientific publications, and encyclopedias, denoting its formal and neutral professional tone. While alternatives like "on hold" or "suspended" exist, "in abeyance" offers a more precise and authoritative tone. It's crucial to use it accurately, ensuring the suspension is indeed temporary and not intended to be permanent.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in suspension

Directly synonymous, indicating a state of being temporarily inactive.

on hold

Indicates a temporary pause or delay, similar to "in abeyance" but less formal.

suspended

Implies a temporary removal or cessation, akin to "in abeyance" in its effect.

deferred

Suggests postponement to a later time, sharing the sense of delayed action with "in abeyance".

postponed

Directly indicates a delay or rescheduling, similar to "in abeyance" in meaning.

tabled

Means to set aside for future consideration, much like placing something "in abeyance".

pending

Indicates awaiting a decision or resolution, similar to being "in abeyance".

in limbo

Suggests an uncertain or suspended state, akin to "in abeyance" in its ambiguity.

dormant

Implies inactivity or a temporary cessation of activity, similar to "in abeyance" but can also mean inactive for longer.

inoperative

Means not functioning or in effect temporarily, similar to "in abeyance" when related to laws or rules.

FAQs

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

You can use "in abeyance" to indicate that something is temporarily suspended or postponed. For example, "The new regulations are "on hold" pending further review" or "The project is "suspended" until funding is secured".

What's the difference between "in abeyance" and "in suspension"?

"In abeyance" and "in suspension" are largely synonymous, both indicating a temporary pause. However, "in abeyance" often carries a more formal or legal connotation, while "in suspension" can be used more broadly.

What are some alternatives to using "in abeyance"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "on hold", "suspended", "deferred", or "postponed".

Is "in abeyance" appropriate for informal writing?

While grammatically correct, "in abeyance" is generally more suited for formal writing. In informal contexts, consider using simpler alternatives like "on hold" or "put off".