in standby mode

USAGE SUMMARY

'in standby mode' is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to describe a period in which a machine, device, or system is waiting to be used or activated. For example: The computer was in standby mode while I was away on vacation.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

New software allows the television to consume minimal energy in standby mode.

The New York Times - Magazine

Although Sony's machine consumes more power while gaming, Xbox One is more greedy in standby mode.

The Guardian - Tech

It can operate about 8 days in standby mode on one charge.

The New York Times - Tech

Standby buttons on many appliances use up to 90% of their normal power in standby mode.

The Guardian

That is about three times what my H.P. printer cost to leave it in standby mode.

The New York Times

Most mobile phones, meanwhile, will retain a charge for days in standby mode, if used sparingly.

The Economist

If the measure bit is not set, the accelerometer will stay in standby mode and not output any data.

Cornell University

NEC says this means the possibility of electronics that start instantly and consume zero electricity while in standby mode.

The Guardian

The company said the battery would last 160 hours under constant use, and six months in standby mode.

The New York Times

Just as it was with the on-screen clock in standby mode that is now on Lumia phones.

Independent

All current leads shall be designed for low thermal loads, under full current and in standby mode.

Fusion Engineering and Design

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in standby mode" when describing devices or systems that are powered on but not actively in use, especially when focusing on energy consumption or readiness for immediate use. This term is widely understood and accepted in both technical and general contexts.

Common error

Don't use "in standby mode" when the device is completely powered off or in a deep sleep state like hibernation. Standby implies a minimal level of power consumption and the ability to quickly resume operation, whereas hibernate involves saving the current state to disk and shutting down more completely.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in standby mode" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the state or condition of something. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used. It indicates a state of readiness with minimal activity.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in standby mode" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state where a device is powered on but not actively performing its primary function. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted and used in various contexts, particularly in discussions about energy consumption and device readiness. Its neutral register makes it suitable for both technical and general audiences. When writing, remember that "in standby mode" indicates a state of low power consumption and quick reactivation, differentiating it from complete shutdown or hibernation. This term is frequently found in news articles, scientific publications, and product descriptions, making it a valuable addition to any writer's vocabulary.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in low-power mode

Similar to sleep mode, but explicitly mentions the reduced power consumption.

in idle state

Focuses on the state of being inactive or not in use.

standing by

Implies readiness to respond or assist when needed.

in sleep mode

Specifically refers to a low-power state, commonly used for electronic devices.

on hold

Implies a temporary pause or suspension of activity.

at the ready

Emphasizes preparedness and immediate availability.

on alert

Indicates a state of heightened awareness and readiness for action.

in a dormant state

Suggests a period of inactivity or quiescence.

in a waiting state

Highlights the act of waiting for a specific event or condition.

in a passive state

Indicates a lack of active involvement or participation.

FAQs

How can I use "in standby mode" in a sentence?

You can use "in standby mode" to describe a device that is turned on but not actively being used. For example: "The television consumes very little power "in standby mode"."

What's the difference between "in sleep mode" and "in standby mode"?

"In sleep mode" and "in standby mode" are often used interchangeably, but "in standby mode" might imply a slightly higher level of power consumption than "in sleep mode". Both terms describe a state where a device is not actively running but can be quickly reactivated.

Is it better to turn off a device completely or leave it "in standby mode" to save energy?

Turning off a device completely generally saves more energy than leaving it "in standby mode", as even "in standby mode", many devices still draw a small amount of power.

What are some alternative phrases for "in standby mode"?

Some alternative phrases you could use are "in idle mode", "at the ready", or "in a waiting state", depending on the specific context.