is in limbo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is in limbo" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation that is uncertain, unresolved, or in a state of suspension. Example: "After the merger announcement, the future of the project is in limbo until further decisions are made."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sport

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"Everyone is in limbo".

The New York Times - Health

Liverpool, by contrast, is in limbo.

The New York Times - Sports

This time around, everything is in limbo.

The New York Times

Welsh rugby is in limbo.

The Guardian - Sport

So your whole life is in limbo; your kids' life is in limbo; your wife's life is in limbo.

The New York Times

In effect, it is in limbo.

The Guardian - Business

Politically, Mr. Giuliani's future is in limbo.

The New York Times

Like Iran itself, music is in limbo.

The New York Times - Magazine

Right now he is in limbo.

The Guardian - Film

"It is in limbo at the moment".

The New York Times - Sports

For now, Christmas Island is in limbo.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is in limbo" when you want to convey a sense of uncertainty, suspension, or unresolved status, particularly when a decision or outcome is pending. For example, "The project's funding is in limbo until the next board meeting."

Common error

Avoid using "is in limbo" when the situation is already determined or finalized. "Is in limbo" suggests a temporary state of uncertainty, so it is inappropriate to use it when a decision has been made.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is in limbo" functions as a predicative expression, describing the state of a subject as being uncertain, unresolved, or in a state of suspension. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable form. The examples show it applied to various subjects, indicating a versatile descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Sport

10%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is in limbo" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe situations characterized by uncertainty, suspension, or lack of resolution. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, its grammatical correctness and broad applicability make it suitable for diverse contexts, ranging from news reporting to casual conversation. While alternatives such as "is unresolved" or "is pending" exist, "is in limbo" effectively conveys a temporary state of indefinite status, implying a sense of anticipation for future developments. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure that the situation genuinely involves uncertainty and is not already concluded. Be aware of the nuances of the phrase to improve clarity and effectiveness in communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is in a state of uncertainty

Replaces "limbo" with a more explicit description of the situation.

is up in the air

Conveys uncertainty and lack of a definite resolution.

is in a holding pattern

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the situation, like an aircraft waiting for clearance.

is hanging in the balance

Highlights the precariousness of the situation and the potential for different outcomes.

is in abeyance

A more formal term indicating temporary suspension or inactivity.

is in suspension

Suggests a temporary halt or postponement.

is pending

Indicates that something is waiting to be decided or resolved.

is unresolved

Focuses on the lack of a final decision or outcome.

is in question

Highlights that the outcome or validity of something is uncertain.

is in a state of flux

Implies that the situation is actively changing and unstable.

FAQs

How can I use "is in limbo" in a sentence?

Use "is in limbo" to describe a situation that is unresolved or uncertain. For example, "The contract negotiation "is in limbo" pending legal review."

What are some alternatives to "is in limbo"?

You can use alternatives like "is unresolved", "is pending", or "is up in the air" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "is in limbo" in formal writing?

Yes, "is in limbo" is appropriate for both formal and informal writing, although more formal alternatives like "is in abeyance" may be preferred in some contexts.

What does it mean when something is described as "is in limbo"?

When something ""is in limbo"", it means that its status is uncertain, unresolved, or suspended, awaiting a future decision or resolution.