lies dormant

USAGE SUMMARY

'lies dormant' is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
'Dormant' typically describes something that is in a sleeping state or at rest, usually for a long period of time. Example: The seed of this plant lies dormant until the right conditions arise for it to begin to grow.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The issue lies dormant.

The New Yorker

And so the preclearance rule lies dormant.

The New York Times

What lies dormant is the princess' knowledge of her identity.

The New York Times - Books

Like a photocopier or VCR, that system lies dormant until a subscriber activates it.

Harvard University

According to this view, the brain lies dormant until activated by some environmental stimulus.

University of California, Berkeley

In others, micronationalism is a latent urge that lies dormant for many years.

The New York Times

Even if an ethnic identity lies dormant for some time, it can be revived.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The disorder lies dormant for years and then is 100percentt fatal.

The Washington Post

Even as the Chengkouzhen factory lies dormant, more raw aluminum operations are set to open.

The New York Times

There it lies dormant, kept in check by the body's immune system.

The New York Times - Health

While your gadget is in your possession, this program lies dormant.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "lies dormant" to describe something that is inactive but has the potential to become active or manifest in the future. This phrase is appropriate when emphasizing a state of potential rather than current activity.

Common error

Avoid using "lies dormant" to describe something permanently inactive or obsolete. This phrase implies a temporary state, not a final one. Consider using "defunct" or "obsolete" instead for permanent inactivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "lies dormant" functions as a predicative expression, typically modifying a noun to indicate a state of inactivity or latency. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase suggests a potential for future activity or manifestation, aligning with examples found across diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Academia

20%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Science

10%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "lies dormant" is a versatile expression used to describe a state of inactivity coupled with the potential for future activation. Grammatically correct and very common across diverse contexts, as highlighted by Ludwig AI, it effectively conveys a temporary suspension rather than a permanent end. Predominantly found in News & Media, Academia, and Encyclopedias, the phrase suits neutral to formal registers. When using "lies dormant", ensure it appropriately reflects a temporary state with future potential, avoiding its application to conditions of permanent inactivity. Related phrases like "remains inactive" or "awaits activation" can provide nuanced alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains inactive

Focuses on the lack of current activity, emphasizing the state of being not active.

remains latent

Highlights the potential for future activation, particularly in scientific or technical contexts.

remains in abeyance

Suggests a temporary suspension or postponement, often in legal or formal settings.

is in a state of dormancy

Emphasizes the condition or state of being dormant, rather than the act of lying dormant.

awaits activation

Highlights the expectation of future activity or triggering event.

is temporarily inactive

Highlights the temporary nature of the inactivity.

is in suspended animation

Implies a more dramatic and prolonged state of inactivity, akin to being frozen in time.

is on standby

Suggests readiness for immediate activation or use, implying a state of alertness.

is untapped

Emphasizes the potential and availability of something not yet used.

is in hibernation

Draws a parallel to the biological process of hibernation, implying a deep state of inactivity for survival.

FAQs

What does "lies dormant" mean?

The phrase "lies dormant" means something is in a state of inactivity, suspended development, or is not currently manifesting its potential, but has the capacity to become active or evident in the future.

How can I use "lies dormant" in a sentence?

You can use "lies dormant" to describe anything from a virus in the body to an unused skill: "The virus "lies dormant" until triggered by stress," or "Her musical talent "lies dormant", awaiting the right opportunity to be awakened."

What can I say instead of "lies dormant"?

Alternatives include "remains inactive", "remains latent", or "awaits activation" depending on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say "lay dormant" instead of "lies dormant"?

While "lay" is the past tense of "lie", in this context, "lies" is the correct present tense form. "Lay dormant" might be used in past tense constructions, but ""lies dormant"" is correct for present or general statements.