it was idle

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was idle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a state of inactivity or lack of use, often referring to machinery, time, or a person's state of mind. Example: "The machine was left in the corner of the workshop, and it was idle for weeks before someone decided to repair it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

The tugboat could draw extra power from the battery when full-power surges were needed, and turn its diesel engines off altogether when it was idle, allowing the battery to power other equipment.

The Economist

At work, it was idle.

The Economist

He argued that it was idle to suggest that economic activity should never damage the environment.

The Guardian

Nothing he did in tonight's game provided any indication that it was idle talk.

The New York Times - Sports

One day in the factory, he said, something halted the assembly line, and it was idle for perhaps 30 seconds.

The New York Times

Transit officials said it was idle because other trains had to be moved to make room for it.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

It was idled in 1956 after Packard merged with Studebaker.

The New York Times

Before it was idled, the plant supplied over 9% of California's electricity, serving some 1.4m people in the region.

The Economist

A small hiccup: for whatever reason, the NASPerform mysteriously dismounted while it was idling.

TechCrunch

Yet this high-tech arsenal, on display in Kosovo, is so fragile that it was idled for days because of cloudy weather.

Forbes

It's idle".

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it was idle" to describe machinery or equipment, ensure the context clearly indicates why the item was not in use. This could be due to maintenance, lack of demand, or a change in operational needs.

Common error

Avoid using "it was idle" when you mean "it was lazy" in reference to a person. While "idle" can imply inactivity, using it for people can sound overly critical. Consider alternatives like "inactive" or "unproductive" for a more neutral tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it was idle" functions as a descriptive statement indicating a state of inactivity or non-use. Ludwig AI provides examples where this phrase is used to describe machinery, equipment, or even abstract concepts, highlighting its descriptive role.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Academia

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was idle" is a grammatically correct and usable expression to describe something that is not currently active or in use. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides various examples from reputable sources. While versatile, caution should be exercised when applying it to people due to potential negative connotations. Consider alternatives like "it was inactive" or "it was unused" for nuanced applications. This phrase finds frequent use in news media, academic writing, and scientific contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it was inactive

This alternative suggests a general state of not being active or in operation.

it was unused

This phrase emphasizes that something was not being used or utilized.

it was not in use

A more explicit way of stating that something was not being actively used.

it was dormant

This suggests a state of temporary inactivity or suspension.

it was out of service

This implies that something was temporarily or permanently unavailable for use.

it was inoperative

This indicates that something was not functioning or working.

it was nonfunctional

Similar to inoperative, this emphasizes a lack of functionality.

it was standing still

This evokes a sense of physical or metaphorical immobility.

it was gathering dust

This idiom suggests that something has been left unused for a long time.

it was mothballed

This term is specifically used for equipment or facilities taken out of service but kept in storage for future use.

FAQs

How can I use "it was idle" in a sentence?

You can use "it was idle" to describe something that is not active or in use. For example, "The machine was left in the corner of the workshop, and "it was idle" for weeks."

What can I say instead of "it was idle"?

You can use alternatives like "it was inactive", "it was unused", or "it was dormant" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "it was idle" when referring to a person?

While grammatically correct, using "it was idle" to describe a person can sound critical. Consider using alternatives like "it was inactive" or "it was unproductive" for a more neutral tone.

What's the difference between "it was idle" and "it was inactive"?

"It was idle" often suggests a temporary state of non-use or potential for future use, whereas "it was inactive" implies a more general state of not being active, without necessarily implying a future return to use.