it was deadlocked

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was deadlocked" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where no agreement or progress can be made, often in negotiations or decision-making processes. Example: "The negotiations continued for hours, but ultimately, it was deadlocked, leaving both parties frustrated."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

The jury said that it was deadlocked.

The New York Times

But it was deadlocked on 23 other counts.

The Economist

It said on Thursday that it was deadlocked.

The New York Times

When the case went to the jury, that body deliberated for seven days and then declared that it was deadlocked.

Cornell University

A year ago, a mistrial was declared after the jury announced it was deadlocked.

The New York Times

Peru has said that it would nominate him if the Council decided that it was deadlocked.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

"It's deadlocked.

The New York Times

It is deadlocked.

The Guardian

And I see someone rushing and I tell him, this street is deadlocked, and he will not take my word and go all the way and discover that it is deadlocked and come back".

The New Yorker

Judge Carter asked the jurors to continue trying for a consensus, the customary response after a jury first reports that it is deadlocked.

The New York Times

Good standards for inspection and proper labelling could significantly reduce the likelihood of outbreaks, but for now the two sides — those who call for unfettered access and those who completely oppose it — are deadlocked.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "it was deadlocked", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being referred to. For example, specify "the jury was deadlocked" or "the negotiations were deadlocked".

Common error

Avoid using "it was deadlocked" to describe situations where progress is slow but still occurring. The phrase implies a complete standstill with no prospect of immediate resolution.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was deadlocked" functions as a statement indicating a state of impasse or stalemate. Ludwig's examples show its use in describing juries unable to reach a verdict, negotiations failing to progress, and political situations where agreement cannot be found. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was deadlocked" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe a situation where progress has stalled due to an inability to reach an agreement or resolution. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is versatile enough for both formal and informal contexts, although formal synonyms might be preferable in certain scenarios. It finds frequent use in news and media reporting on legal, political, and social conflicts, as shown in the examples provided by Ludwig. The related phrases offer alternative ways to express the same concept, varying in formality and emphasis. Remember to specify the subject that is deadlocked and ensure the phrase is used when there is truly no progress.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was at an impasse

Replaces "deadlocked" with "impasse", indicating a standstill in negotiations or discussions.

it was stalemated

Uses "stalemated" instead of "deadlocked", suggesting a situation where neither side can gain an advantage.

it reached a standstill

Emphasizes the lack of movement or progress in a situation.

it came to a deadlock

Similar in meaning, but uses "deadlock" as a noun instead of an adjective.

it hit a brick wall

Idiomatic expression indicating an insurmountable obstacle.

it couldn't move forward

Focuses on the inability to advance or make progress.

it was in a gridlock

Suggests a complete blockage or obstruction, often used in the context of traffic or systems.

it was hung

Describes a jury that cannot reach a verdict.

it was irresolvable

Highlights the inability to find a solution or resolution.

it faced an impasse

Similar to "it was at an impasse", but uses a slightly different structure.

FAQs

What does "it was deadlocked" mean in the context of a jury?

When a jury is described as "deadlocked", it means that the jurors are unable to reach a unanimous agreement on a verdict, resulting in a hung jury and potentially a mistrial.

What can I say instead of "it was deadlocked" to describe a situation where no progress is being made?

You can use alternatives like "it was at an impasse", "it was stalemated", or "it reached a standstill".

Is it appropriate to use "it was deadlocked" in formal writing?

Yes, "it was deadlocked" is appropriate for formal writing, particularly when describing legal or political situations. However, consider using a more formal synonym like "it was at an impasse" for added sophistication.

What causes a situation to become "deadlocked"?

A situation becomes "deadlocked" when opposing sides or parties are unable to reach an agreement or compromise, often due to conflicting interests, values, or perspectives.