marking time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "marking time" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used to describe a situation where someone is simply waiting for something to happen, without making any progress or taking action towards their goal. Example: "As I sat in the doctor's office, I felt like I was just marking time until my name was called. I couldn't focus on anything else, my mind consumed by worry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're marking time.

The New York Times

We're just marking time here.

The New York Times

"We weren't just marking time.

The New York Times

Henceforth, I sleepwalked through Princeton, marking time.

Princeton University

High-tech, one of Israel's biggest successes, is marking time.

The Economist

Some of the younger doormen, though, are marking time.

The New York Times

Guards sit and stand around him, marking time.

The Guardian - Arts

But Mr. Bernard was not just marking time.

The New York Times

Another back-street pub marking time until it's boarded-up.

The Guardian - Travel

But they often seem to be marking time.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Try saying the words "check and" before marking-time and between each command.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "marking time" when you want to convey a sense of stagnation or a temporary pause in progress, especially when the situation is beyond one's control. For example, "The project is currently "marking time" due to budget constraints".

Common error

Avoid using "marking time" to describe active efforts or progress, as it implies a lack of meaningful advancement. For instance, don't say "We're "marking time" on the new marketing campaign" if the campaign is actively being developed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "marking time" is as a verbal phrase, often used as part of a continuous verb tense to describe an ongoing state of temporary inactivity or waiting. Ludwig and the examples show it describes situations where progress is suspended.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "marking time" is a common and grammatically correct idiom used to describe a state of inactivity or suspension, where progress is temporarily halted. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is suitable for various contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Academic writing. While alternatives like "biding one's time" or "treading water" offer nuanced variations, "marking time" effectively conveys a sense of stagnation pending future developments. It is crucial to avoid using it when describing active progress to prevent miscommunication. Therefore, understanding its nuances and contexts is essential for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biding one's time

Implies waiting for an opportune moment, often with a strategic purpose, differing from simply "marking time" which can be passive.

treading water

Suggests maintaining the current state without making progress, similar to "marking time" but with a connotation of effort to stay afloat.

stalling for time

Indicates delaying deliberately, often to gain an advantage or avoid a negative outcome, unlike "marking time" which might not be intentional.

killing time

Implies filling time with trivial activities to alleviate boredom, while "marking time" suggests a more significant pause in progress.

passing time

Similar to killing time but less deliberate; it's a general way of spending time until something happens.

in limbo

Describes a state of uncertainty and suspension, close to "marking time" in conveying a lack of forward movement.

on hold

Implies a temporary suspension or pause, as if waiting for further instructions or developments.

in a holding pattern

Suggests a planned delay, often in aviation, but metaphorically used to describe a situation where progress is temporarily halted.

at a standstill

Indicates a complete halt to progress or activity, similar to the lack of movement implied by "marking time".

stuck in neutral

Conveys a sense of being unable to move forward, as if a vehicle's gears are disengaged, mirroring the stagnation of "marking time".

FAQs

What does "marking time" mean in a sentence?

The phrase "marking time" typically means to spend time waiting for something to happen without making any real progress. It suggests a state of temporary inactivity or suspension. For example, "The company was just "marking time" until the new CEO arrived".

What are some alternatives to "marking time"?

You can use alternatives such as "biding one's time", "treading water", or "stalling for time" depending on the specific context.

Is "marking time" a formal or informal expression?

"Marking time" is generally considered a neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts. Its appropriateness depends more on the surrounding language and the overall tone of the writing.

How did the idiom "marking time" originate?

The idiom "marking time" comes from military drills, where soldiers would lift their feet as if marching but without moving forward, essentially staying in place. This action symbolizes a lack of real progress or movement, hence the phrase's figurative meaning.