indefinitely on hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "indefinitely on hold" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation or project that has been paused without a specific end date or timeline for resumption. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is now indefinitely on hold until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

Explain that you've "reserved for an open preapproval" to put them indefinitely on hold.

The New York Times

The deal placed indefinitely on hold the prospect of US-led strikes on Syria as punishment for a deadly chemical weapons attack in Damascus on 21 August 2013.

BBC

"I also maintain that is essential that the final process addresses the accusations against the UCI that the independent commission was first appointed to investigate, and which have now been placed indefinitely on hold.

BBC

For Marek, college was out of the question, and his dreams remained indefinitely on hold.

Huffington Post

However, following the worldwide financial crisis of the late summer and fall of 2008, the project's developers announced that construction of the second tower was indefinitely on hold.

Wikipedia

But the day before she planned to drive her design proposal from Missoula to Helena, the mural project's administrator called Hadley and the other finalist to tell them that budget constraints had forced them to put the project indefinitely on hold.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

When the Worlds Adrift concept was first conceived during that soon-to-be infamous game jam several years ago, it was indefinitely put on hold due to being far too ambitious per the size of the company.

TechCrunch

On December 3 , 2012 CP announced it was indefinitely placing on hold plans for building new trackage into the Powder River Basin.

Wikipedia

China has no choice now but to maintain a larger presence; talks with the Dalai Lama are indefinitely put on hold; there is greater trepidation about allowing Western media access; and a successful Olympics "coming-out party" has been placed in a much more precarious position.

Huffington Post

That will enable him not only to defer taxes on winners indefinitely, by holding on, but also to get some tax benefit out of losers, by selling them quickly.

Forbes

I had two films booked but then both projects were put on hold, one indefinitely.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "indefinitely on hold" when you want to clearly communicate that a decision or action has been delayed without a known future date for resumption. This conveys a sense of uncertainty about when, or if, the action will be revisited.

Common error

Avoid using "indefinitely on hold" when you have a specific timeframe in mind for the delay. Instead, use phrases like "temporarily paused" or "delayed until [date]" to reflect a clear expectation of resumption.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "indefinitely on hold" functions as an adverbial modifier describing the state of something being paused or suspended without a defined end date. Ludwig's examples confirm this usage across various contexts, indicating a state of temporary cessation.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

14%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

7%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "indefinitely on hold" is a grammatically correct and neutrally-toned phrase used to indicate that something has been postponed without a known date for resumption. Ludwig highlights its common usage in news and media, as well as wiki sources, signifying a state of uncertainty. While suitable for formal communication, more precise language may be necessary depending on context. Remember to avoid using it when you have a concrete timeframe in mind for the delay. Ludwig's analysis confirms that this phrase effectively communicates a lack of specific timeline for future action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

postponed indefinitely

Replaces "on hold" with "postponed", emphasizing the act of delaying to a later time without a set date.

suspended indefinitely

Similar to "postponed", but suggests a more formal or official cessation of activity.

shelved for the foreseeable future

Indicates the project or plan is not expected to be revived in the near future.

put in abeyance indefinitely

A more formal term suggesting a temporary suspension or inactivity.

in suspended animation

Suggests that something is being kept in a state where it can be restarted or revived later.

on ice indefinitely

An informal way of saying something has been temporarily stopped.

tabled indefinitely

Suggests the matter has been set aside, often in a meeting or formal setting, with no specific plan to revisit it.

mothballed indefinitely

Often used for equipment or facilities, implying they are stored and maintained but not actively used.

in limbo

Suggests a state of uncertainty and indefinite waiting.

stalled indefinitely

Implies a halt in progress, often due to unforeseen circumstances.

FAQs

What does "indefinitely on hold" mean?

When something is described as "indefinitely on hold", it means that it has been postponed or suspended without a specific date for resumption. It implies uncertainty about when or if it will be continued.

What can I say instead of "indefinitely on hold"?

You can use alternatives like "postponed indefinitely", "suspended indefinitely", or "shelved for the foreseeable future" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "indefinitely on hold" in formal writing?

Yes, "indefinitely on hold" is suitable for formal writing, especially when communicating about projects, plans, or decisions that have been suspended. However, more formal alternatives like "put in abeyance indefinitely" might be preferable in certain contexts.

What is the difference between "on hold indefinitely" and "canceled"?

"On hold indefinitely" suggests a pause with the possibility of future resumption, while "canceled" indicates a permanent end. If a project is "on hold indefinitely", it might be revived later. Canceled projects are terminated.