in reserve

USAGE SUMMARY

"in reserve" is a common phrase used in written English.
It can be used to describe an item or resource that is being held in reserve and not used, such as money, supplies, or troops, or to describe something that is being kept in case it is needed or wanted in the future. For example, "The company held a portion of their profits in reserve to cover any potential losses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Much in reserve?

Independent

Such options are still in reserve.

The Economist

The real Allen holds himself in reserve.

The New Yorker

Even the cash and checks in reserve".

The New Yorker

John High in Reserve, La.

The New York Times - Sports

Therefore, site accessibility matters in reserve design.

Ecological Economics

"Let's hope we have something in reserve.

Independent

"By failing to hold in reserve. . .

The Washington Post

It keeps the other three in reserve.

The New York Times

But that should be held in reserve.

The New York Times - Arts

"In principle, her tactic is to hold herself in reserve, hold Germany in reserve".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "in reserve", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being held and for what potential future use. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens your communication.

Common error

Avoid using "in reserve" when you simply mean something is available. The phrase specifically suggests a deliberate holding back for a future, often unforeseen, need. If it's readily available, other phrases may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in reserve" functions as a prepositional phrase that typically modifies a noun or verb, indicating that something is being held back or kept available for future use or a specific purpose. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

25%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Science

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the prepositional phrase "in reserve" is grammatically sound and commonly used to denote something being held back for future use. As Ludwig AI confirms, it enjoys broad applicability across diverse domains, from military and financial contexts to personal attributes. Its frequency is classified as very common, with a neutral to professional register. When employing "in reserve", it's crucial to ensure the context clearly specifies what is held back and for what purpose, thereby mitigating potential ambiguities. Consider alternatives like "on hand" or "kept in readiness" depending on the situation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the ready

Similar to 'in readiness', but with a stronger emphasis on immediate action.

on hand

Emphasizes immediate availability and readiness.

on standby

Indicates a state of being prepared and waiting for a signal or instruction to act.

set aside

Highlights the act of intentionally allocating resources for a specific purpose.

in readiness

Highlights the state of being prepared and ready for action or use.

in storage

Suggests a more formal or long-term holding of resources.

stockpiled

Implies the accumulation of a large quantity of something for future use.

put away

Implies saving or storing something for later use, often in a personal or domestic context.

held back

Focuses on the act of withholding something, often for strategic reasons.

kept back

Similar to 'held back' but can also imply a more passive withholding.

FAQs

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

You can use "in reserve" to indicate that something is being kept back for future use. For example, "The general kept a regiment "in reserve" in case of a counterattack."

What's the difference between "in reserve" and "available"?

"Available" simply means something is accessible or obtainable. "In reserve" implies that something is being deliberately kept back and not currently in use, but is ready if needed. "On hand" might be a good alternative to "in reserve" if you just mean something is obtainable.

Are there any formal alternatives to "in reserve"?

Yes, formal alternatives to "in reserve" include "held in abeyance" or "kept in readiness". These options are suitable for business or academic writing.

When is it appropriate to use "in reserve"?

It is appropriate to use "in reserve" when describing resources, strategies, or personnel that are being deliberately held back for later use, especially in situations involving potential risks or future needs. For example, you might say "We have additional funds "in reserve" for unexpected expenses".