not in use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not in use" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe something that is not currently being used or is not functioning. For example: "The east wing of the office building is not in use at the moment due to renovation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They fold up when not in use.

The New York Times

▶ Unplug phone chargers and computers when not in use.

The Guardian

When not in use, it's stuffed in my coat pocket.

The New York Times

But Ms. Bell said, "It's basically not in use".

The New York Times - Style

Thirty of them are not in use.

Forbes

And when it's not in use?

TechCrunch

Unplugging electrical products when not in use 12.

Journal of Economic Structures

The Coin remains locked when not in use.

TechCrunch

When not in use, it disappears from view.

Forbes

Turning off Bluetooth, especially when not in use will help.

Huffington Post

3. Turn off lights when not in use.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about energy conservation, specifically mention unplugging devices “not in use” to emphasize reducing phantom energy consumption.

Common error

Avoid using "not in use" when you mean "out of order" or "broken". "Not in use" implies a temporary state of inactivity, while "out of order" indicates a malfunction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not in use" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate that it is currently inactive or "out of service". Ludwig's examples show it describing everything from electronics to physical spaces.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

35%

News & Media

30%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not in use" is a versatile and commonly used term to describe something that is currently inactive or "out of service". As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely applicable. The analysis reveals that it's frequently found in diverse contexts, including Wiki articles, news reports, and scientific publications. When using "not in use", ensure it accurately reflects a temporary state of inactivity, rather than indicating a broken or "non-functional" state. For formal settings, consider unutilized as a viable alternative. Remember to unplug devices that are "not in use" to conserve energy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

out of service

This term typically applies to equipment or systems that are temporarily or permanently unavailable.

inactive

This suggests a state of being dormant or not currently functioning.

not operational

This indicates that something is not functioning or ready for use.

out of action

This implies that something is temporarily disabled or not working.

unutilized

This suggests that something is available but not being used.

unemployed

This term indicates that something is not currently engaged or active.

idle

This implies a state of inactivity, often temporary.

dormant

This suggests a state of suspended activity or development.

non-functional

This means that something is not working correctly or at all.

disused

This suggests something has been abandoned or is no longer in regular use.

FAQs

How can I use "not in use" in a sentence?

You can use "not in use" to describe items, equipment, or spaces that are currently inactive. For example, "The printer is "out of service" and "not operational" at the moment", or "These seats are "unavailable", they are "not available" to the public".

What's a formal way to say "not in use"?

In a more formal context, you could use "unutilized" or ""out of service"" to maintain a professional tone. For example, “The equipment is currently "out of service" for maintenance".

When is it appropriate to use "not in use"?

It is appropriate to use "not in use" when referring to something that is temporarily idle or unutilized, not necessarily broken or permanently "out of action". It suggests that the item is functional but currently inactive.

What are common things described as "not in use"?

Common examples include electrical appliances that are unplugged, features in software that are disabled, or a spare room that is "unoccupied". The phrase generally applies to items that are functional but temporarily "inactive".