is standing by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is standing by" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is ready and available to assist or respond when needed. Example: "The technician is standing by to help with any issues that may arise during the event."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The university is standing by its findings.

The New York Times

Levine, however, is standing by her book.

Independent

My wife, though, is standing by me.

The New York Times

Joe Biden is standing by.

The New Yorker

McDonald's Corp. is standing by its clown.

The New York Times

Lancôme is standing by with Absolue.

The New York Times - Magazine

But Billick is standing by his man.

The New York Times - Sports

But Quebec's government is standing by its colour discrimination.

The Economist

Patty is standing by to take your money.

The New Yorker

But the committee is standing by its decision.

The New York Times - Sports

Still, Senator Gunther is standing by if needed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When indicating ongoing support or defense of a decision or person, use "is standing by" to show continued commitment. For example, "The company is standing by its product despite recent criticism."

Common error

Avoid using "is standing by" when you actually mean a passive construction. Ensure the subject is actively ready and available, rather than being acted upon. It's not simply about "being" somewhere; it's about being prepared.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is standing by" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of readiness, preparedness, or continued support. Ludwig examples show its use in scenarios ranging from technical support to unwavering commitment. Ludwig AI signals its correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

61%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

7%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is standing by" is a versatile and commonly used verb phrase that indicates readiness, preparedness, or continued support. It is considered grammatically correct and can be used in various contexts, most frequently in news and media and formal business settings. Ludwig examples highlight its widespread use across different domains, reinforcing its reliability and appropriateness. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is on standby

Indicates a state of readiness or availability to act when needed, similar to "is standing by" but more concise.

is ready to assist

Highlights the willingness and preparedness to help or support, focusing on the action of providing assistance.

is prepared to help

Emphasizes the preparation and readiness to offer assistance, similar to "is ready to assist" but with a slightly stronger emphasis on planning.

is supporting

Focuses on providing active support or endorsement, indicating a more proactive role than simply being ready.

is backing

Implies providing support or approval, often in a challenging situation or when facing opposition.

is available

Indicates accessibility and readiness to be used or contacted, focusing on being present and accessible.

is awaiting instructions

Highlights a state of waiting for guidance or orders before taking action, emphasizing the dependency on external direction.

is holding firm

Suggests maintaining a position or stance despite pressure or opposition, implying resilience and determination.

remains committed

Emphasizes a continuing dedication or obligation to a cause or person, highlighting loyalty and perseverance.

is staying put

Indicates a decision to remain in a certain place or situation, suggesting stability and resistance to change.

FAQs

What does "is standing by" mean?

The phrase "is standing by" means to be ready and available to assist or take action when needed. It implies a state of preparedness and willingness to respond promptly.

How can I use "is standing by" in a sentence?

You can use "is standing by" to describe someone or something that is ready to help or support. For example, "The support team "is standing by" to address any technical issues."

What can I say instead of "is standing by"?

You can use alternatives like "is on standby", "is ready to assist", or "is available" depending on the context.

Is "standing by" formal or informal?

"Standing by" is generally considered neutral in formality and can be used in various contexts, from news reports to professional communications. However, more formal alternatives like "is prepared to assist" may be preferred in highly formal settings.