in suspended animation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in suspended animation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of temporary inactivity or dormancy, often in a scientific or metaphorical context. Example: "The experiment involved placing the cells in suspended animation to study their behavior under extreme conditions."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The network is now in suspended animation.

The New York Times - Sports

The rest of Beijing was in suspended animation.

The New York Times

Domestic politics will also be in suspended animation.

The Guardian

Kars is a city in suspended animation, a museum of its more prosperous past.

The New Yorker

"That's a pretty long time to have your streets in suspended animation.

The New York Times

These will keep them in suspended animation, allowing scientists to use them decades from now.

Independent

For months, however, the Bank of Cyprus has been caught in suspended animation.

The New York Times

It was possible to imagine larval dreams travelling in suspended animation undetectable in a host brain.

The New Yorker

Verbs kick-start sentences: Without them, words would simply cluster together in suspended animation.

The New York Times

In a picture you're eternally preserved from decay, but frozen in suspended animation.

Independent

The tomato plants, which love hot weather, are in suspended animation.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing the phrase, consider the connotations of potential revival or future activity. It implies a pause, not necessarily a permanent end.

Common error

Avoid using "in suspended animation" to describe situations that are permanently inactive or defunct. The phrase implies a potential for future activity or revival.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in suspended animation" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to describe a state of temporary inactivity or dormancy. As Ludwig AI states, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Science

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in suspended animation" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of temporary inactivity or dormancy. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It is commonly found in news and media, encyclopedias, and wiki sources, indicating a neutral to slightly formal register. While it shares semantic overlap with phrases like "in a state of dormancy" and "on hold", it carries a nuanced implication of potential revival, distinguishing it from terms denoting permanent inactivity. Therefore, it's crucial to employ it accurately to reflect the intended meaning of temporary suspension rather than irreversible cessation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a state of dormancy

Emphasizes inactivity and potential for future awakening, similar to hibernation.

in a state of suspended activity

Highlights the cessation of activity, with the implication that it is temporary.

in a state of stasis

Focuses on a condition of equilibrium and lack of change or progress.

in a state of abeyance

Suggests a temporary suspension of something, like a law or process.

on hold

Informal term indicating a temporary delay or pause.

in a state of hibernation

Implies a period of inactivity and reduced metabolic activity, often for survival.

in a deep freeze

Emphasizes a lack of activity and progress, especially in a business or political context.

in limbo

Describes an uncertain and transitional state, neither active nor resolved.

at a standstill

Highlights the complete lack of movement or progress.

in suspended development

Specifically refers to the interruption of a development process.

FAQs

How can I use "in suspended animation" in a sentence?

You can use "in suspended animation" to describe something that is temporarily inactive or paused, such as "The project is currently "on hold", essentially in suspended animation".

What's the difference between "in suspended animation" and "in a coma"?

"In suspended animation" usually implies a deliberate or controlled state of inactivity with the potential for revival, whereas "in a coma" refers to an unconscious state caused by injury or illness.

Are there any scientific applications of "suspended animation"?

Yes, scientists are exploring the possibilities of inducing a state of suspended animation for medical purposes, such as preserving organs for transplant or extending the "golden hour" after a traumatic injury.

What can I say instead of "in suspended animation"?

You can use alternatives like "in a state of dormancy", ""on hold"", or "at a standstill" depending on the context.