it is inactive

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it is inactive" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe something that is not currently functioning or not in use. Example: "The device is not responding to any commands; it is inactive at the moment."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

The Tet-On system (rtTA), which is not naturally present in mammalian cells, offers the best temporal/spatial flexibility and selectivity since it is inactive in its default state (i.e. absence of exogenous Dox).

Plosone

It is inactive under visible light exposure due to its large bandgap energy [88].

Nano-Micro Letters

It is inactive until bound to a DNA strand break via its zinc finger DNA-binding domain.

Breast Cancer Research

But it is inactive these days.

The Economist

He has a bank account, but it is inactive and practically empty.

The New Yorker

It is inactive, but it can be reactivated later in life.

Harvard University

If it is inactive(0), this axis is used for setting the yaw of the quadrotor.

Cornell University

And the rates are higher when the disease is active compared with when it is inactive.

Nature

The compound can be added to the empty pouches used to collect red blood cells, where it is inactive because of a low pH balance in the bag.

The New York Times

The Cas9 molecule – the scissors of the CRISPR-Cas9 system – modified so that it is inactive until an enzyme snips a short protein segment.

University of California, Berkeley

The general behaviour of gold is that it is inactive in massive form while it can be used as a highly active catalyst when downsized.

Catalysis Today

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it is inactive", ensure the context clearly identifies what "it" refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

Avoid assuming that because something "it is inactive" in one context, it's universally inactive. For example, a gene might be inactive in certain cells but active in others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it is inactive" functions as a descriptive statement, indicating that a particular subject is not currently performing its intended function or exhibiting activity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is frequently encountered in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

70%

News & Media

15%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it is inactive" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a state of non-functionality or dormancy. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and appears frequently across various domains, particularly in science, news, and academic writing. While it can be used in various contexts, it's important to ensure clarity about what "it" refers to and to avoid overgeneralizing the scope of inactivity. When a more descriptive alternative is needed, options like "it is dormant" or "it is non-operational" can provide additional nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is not functioning

A straightforward statement about the lack of proper operation.

it is dormant

Emphasis on a temporary state of inactivity, suggesting potential for future activity.

it is inoperative

Similar to "non-operational" but slightly more formal.

it is non-operational

Focuses on the inability to perform intended functions, often used for machines or systems.

it is out of service

Suggests a temporary unavailability, often for repair or maintenance.

it is disabled

Implies that something has been deliberately made inactive.

it is deactivated

Similar to 'disabled' but can also imply a chemical or biological process of inactivation.

it is idle

Suggests inactivity due to lack of use or purpose.

it is switched off

Indicates a deliberate act of deactivation, usually via a switch.

it is powered down

Specific to devices or systems that use electricity and are turned off.

FAQs

How can I use "it is inactive" in a sentence?

You can use "it is inactive" to describe something not currently functioning or in use. For instance, "The program is not responding to commands; "it is inactive" at the moment."

What are some alternatives to saying "it is inactive"?

Alternatives include phrases like "it is dormant", "it is non-operational", or "it is idle", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is there a difference between "it is inactive" and "it is disabled"?

"It is inactive" generally implies a temporary state of non-functionality, while "it is disabled" suggests that something has been intentionally rendered non-functional, possibly requiring a deliberate action to re-enable it.

What does "it is inactive" mean in a scientific context?

In a scientific context, ""it is inactive"" can refer to a gene, enzyme, or other biological entity that is not currently performing its usual function. This could be due to environmental factors, regulatory mechanisms, or other conditions.