keep in abeyance

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "keep in abeyance" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in legal or formal contexts to indicate that something is temporarily inactive or suspended. Example: "The decision regarding the new policy will be kept in abeyance until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

"He readily acknowledges that any judgement on the integrity of his apology will be kept in abeyance pending the outworkings of the investigation.

Independent

He readily acknowledges that any judgment on the integrity of his apology will be kept in abeyance pending the outworkings of the investigation.

The Guardian

He said after the second intermission report Sunday that he was combining the colorful personality he showed as a player, but which he kept in abeyance as an Islanders executive, with his desire to broadcast "obnoxiously" (his word).

The New York Times - Sports

It was further noted that the legislative changes that would be required for the proposed change would require considerable time and the process of allocation of coal blocks for captive mining could not be kept in abeyance for so long given the pressing demand for coal.

The New York Times

"As directed by TRAI, the commercial launch of Freebasics has been kept in abeyance, till they consider all details and convey a specific approval," a Reliance representative said in an email.

TechCrunch

Still, apart from practical reasons, e.g. the need to meet the expectations emanating from a budgeting system that measures "utility" in terms of the contributions of scientific knowledge and traditional foresight to concrete problem solving as experienced by planners, there are sound and immediate reasons why prudence should be kept in abeyance.

European Journal of Futures Research

Enlightenment is kept satisfyingly in abeyance until a rapturous conclusion on a mountaintop in Ibiza.

The New Yorker

Ideological disputes among his coalition members should have been kept firmly in abeyance.

The Economist

He kept himself in abeyance; he was sensitive, sincere, courteous, mysterious, ironic.

The Guardian

It gives wing to desires that logic and self-discipline would keep at abeyance.

Huffington Post

Whether it's better to dump him or keep him is in abeyance.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep in abeyance" in formal writing when you want to convey a temporary suspension with the expectation of future action or consideration. Avoid it in informal conversation, where simpler alternatives like "put on hold" are more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "keep in abeyance" in casual contexts; it can sound overly formal or pretentious. Opt for more common phrases like "hold off" or "put on ice" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep in abeyance" functions as a verb phrase often used in formal contexts. It signifies the act of temporarily suspending or postponing something, with the implication that it may be revisited or resolved at a later time. It's often used in legal, administrative, or official settings.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "keep in abeyance" is a grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the temporary suspension of something. It is best suited for formal writing and professional contexts, as indicated by Ludwig AI. While it conveys a sense of deliberate postponement, simpler alternatives exist for casual conversation. Understanding its register and purpose ensures accurate and effective communication. It's crucial to avoid using this phrase in informal situations, where it could be perceived as overly formal or pretentious.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold in suspension

Implies a more literal or physical suspension, but can also be used metaphorically.

suspend temporarily

Focuses on the temporary nature of the interruption.

put on hold

A more informal and common alternative, suitable for everyday conversation.

keep pending

Emphasizes that a decision is still awaiting resolution.

defer consideration

Highlights the act of delaying a decision or judgment.

set aside for the moment

Highlights the temporary nature of the action and the intention to revisit it later.

table for later

Suggests postponing a discussion or decision to a future meeting.

place in reserve

Indicates holding something back for future use or consideration.

shelve indefinitely

Implies a less certain return, suggesting the matter may not be revisited.

stay in limbo

Suggests a state of uncertainty and prolonged suspension.

FAQs

How can I use "keep in abeyance" in a sentence?

You can use "keep in abeyance" to indicate that something is temporarily suspended or inactive. For example, "The decision regarding the new policy will be "kept in abeyance" until further notice."

What is a simpler way to say "keep in abeyance"?

Simpler alternatives to "keep in abeyance" include "put on hold", "suspend temporarily", or "hold off on", depending on the context.

Is it correct to use "hold in abeyance" instead of "keep in abeyance"?

Yes, "hold in abeyance" is also a correct and commonly used alternative to "keep in abeyance". They both convey the same meaning of temporarily suspending something.

What's the difference between "keep in abeyance" and "shelve"?

While both imply a delay, "keep in abeyance" suggests a temporary suspension with the possibility of future action, whereas "shelve" often implies a more indefinite postponement or abandonment of the idea.