kept in limbo

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "kept in limbo" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where something is in a state of uncertainty or unresolved status. Example: "After the merger announcement, many employees felt they were kept in limbo regarding their job security."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Nobody, though, enjoys being kept in limbo.

The Guardian - Sport

But after the mission was canceled, they were kept in limbo.

The New York Times

Another young refugee – "a journalist in a former life" who asked not to be identified – says the refugees are kept in limbo by Nauru's economic impoverishment.

The Guardian

But the Palestinians have been kept in limbo by the leaders of the Muslim world for generations, and the media's acceptance of the claim that Israel's continued existence has victimized Palestinians only reinforces the Palestinian leaders' view that Israel needs to compromise.

The New Yorker

But it is clear that their jockeying for advantage allowed a dispute over a single issue -- a 30-year lease for the Maersk-Sealand shipping line to expand its operations at the Elizabeth Marine Terminal in New Jersey -- to snowball into an 18-month stalemate in which all of the Port Authority's long-term projects were kept in limbo.

The New York Times

More broadly, the idea behind Nested is to eliminate much of the stress and uncertainty of selling and buying a home, including what your final budget will be, and also ensure that you're never caught up in the dreaded property 'chain' and miss out on your desired home, or are kept in limbo indefinitely waiting for your property to sell.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

"That way they won't be kept in permanent limbo," Peterson said.

The Guardian

All four had been kept in legal limbo as suspected terrorists at the United States naval base for up to three years, and released after extensive discussions between the US and UK governments.

The Guardian

Critics say that all these factors add up to a situation in which the Roma, who often left their native countries to escape discrimination, are kept in social limbo.

The Guardian

When he got to the UK, Rafi applied for asylum but was kept in legal limbo for over a year.

Vice

"In Germany, asylum seekers are often kept in a legal limbo for a very long time.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "kept in limbo" to describe situations where a decision or resolution is delayed, causing uncertainty or frustration. It's particularly effective when highlighting the negative impact of the delay on individuals or projects.

Common error

While "kept in limbo" is widely understood, avoid overusing it in formal writing where a more direct or precise term might be appropriate, such as "pending resolution" or "awaiting a decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "kept in limbo" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, often following a verb like "be" or "remain". It describes a state of prolonged uncertainty or suspension, as affirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

12%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "kept in limbo" effectively communicates a state of prolonged uncertainty or suspension. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While most common in News & Media sources, it also appears in Formal & Business and Academic writing. To enhance clarity and impact, consider using synonyms like "held in suspense" or "pending resolution", especially in highly formal contexts. Overusing the phrase should be avoided, opting for direct language to improve clarity and impact. The expert rating for the phrase is 4.5, indicating strong grammatical correctness, source authority, and usage consistency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

held in suspense

Emphasizes the feeling of anticipation and uncertainty while waiting for a resolution. Shifts focus to the emotional state of those affected.

left in abeyance

Highlights the temporary suspension or postponement of something, often in a formal or legal context. This alternative adds a layer of formality.

in a state of uncertainty

Directly describes the lack of clarity or predictability. More general and less figurative than "kept in limbo".

in a holding pattern

Implies a temporary delay, often in anticipation of future action or clearance. Commonly used in aviation and project management contexts.

pending resolution

Focuses on the unresolved status of a matter and the expectation of a future decision. More formal and neutral.

in suspended animation

Suggests a state of inactivity or stagnation, as if something is frozen in time. More dramatic and metaphorical.

on hold

Indicates a temporary pause or delay, often in a business or customer service context. Very common and straightforward.

in a state of suspended animation

Highlights a condition where progress is halted, and things remain inactive, emphasizing a lack of movement or development.

in legal purgatory

Specifically refers to a prolonged and uncertain legal situation, drawing a parallel to the concept of purgatory. More specific and legalistic.

in a bind

Suggests being trapped or constrained in a difficult situation, implying a lack of freedom or options.

FAQs

How can I use "kept in limbo" in a sentence?

You can use "kept in limbo" to describe situations where someone or something is in a state of uncertainty or suspension. For example: "After the merger announcement, employees were "kept in limbo" regarding their job security".

What are some alternatives to "kept in limbo"?

You can use alternatives such as "held in suspense", "left in abeyance", or "in a state of uncertainty" depending on the specific context.

Is it appropriate to use "kept in limbo" in formal writing?

While "kept in limbo" is generally acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "pending resolution" or "awaiting a decision" in highly formal contexts to maintain a professional tone.

What does it mean to be "kept in limbo"?

To be "kept in limbo" means to be in a situation where progress is stalled, and there is uncertainty about the future. It implies a state of prolonged indecision or suspension, often causing frustration or anxiety.