on standby for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on standby for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is prepared and waiting to take action. For example, you could say, "We were on standby for the emergency response for two hours before the call came in."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

And that's just paying for phone chargers to be plugged in and our printer to be on standby – for nothing at all, really.

The Guardian

Being permanently on standby for something momentous is exhausting.

Independent

"I was on standby for 25 years," she says.

The Guardian

Four more teams are on standby for flood-prone coastal districts, he said.

The New York Times

Extra air conditioners are on standby for especially hot days; extra heaters for especially cold days.

The New York Times

A neighbor called to say we were on standby for evacuation.

The New York Times

The airline had the 737-800 on standby for the mission for about a week.

The New York Times

It will be on standby for German volunteers who contract the virus.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

We had the skateboarders and crew on standby for the whole winter and had to take a chance when the forecast looked good.

Vice

"Apparently I was on standby [for England] but I didn't know.

Independent

Vince is therefore on standby for what would be a third stab at Test cricket.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "on standby for" to clearly communicate that someone or something is ready and waiting to be activated or used when needed. For example, "The medical team was on standby for any emergencies during the marathon."

Common error

Avoid using "on standby for" if the subject is not actually prepared or equipped to take immediate action. "The intern was on standby for the project" is incorrect if the intern lacks the necessary skills or information.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on standby for" functions as a prepositional phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to indicate a state of readiness or preparedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, this usage is grammatically sound and widely accepted. For example, "The army has been placed on standby for emergency and relief operations."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

58%

Wiki

18%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Huffington Post

5%

The Guardian - Sport

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "on standby for" is a commonly used and grammatically correct prepositional phrase that conveys a state of readiness or preparedness. According to Ludwig AI, its meaning is consistently applied across various sources. Predominantly featured in news and media, it also appears in wiki and scientific contexts. To enhance your writing, remember that this phrase is most effective when describing a prepared state for a specific, anticipated event. Be cautious not to use it when actual readiness is lacking. Explore related phrases such as "ready for" or "prepared for" for alternative expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

standing by for

Very similar, but emphasizes the act of standing and waiting for instructions.

at the ready for

Emphasizes a state of immediate availability and preparedness.

ready for

Indicates immediate preparedness, lacking the nuance of waiting or potential action.

prepared for

Implies prior action taken to be ready, without necessarily indicating a current state of waiting.

in readiness for

A more formal way to express preparedness for a future event.

set for

Focuses on the arrangements being completed.

awaiting

Focuses on the act of waiting, but doesn't explicitly state the readiness aspect.

primed for

Suggests having been prepared to the best possible degree.

geared up for

Suggests a more active preparation process, implying enthusiasm.

waiting in the wings for

Idiomatic expression indicating readiness to take over or participate when the opportunity arises.

FAQs

How can I use "on standby for" in a sentence?

You can use "on standby for" to indicate that someone or something is ready and waiting to be used or activated. For instance, "The rescue team is "ready for" deployment and on standby for any emergency calls."

What are some alternatives to "on standby for"?

Alternatives include "prepared for", "ready for", or "standing by for", depending on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "on standby to" instead of "on standby for"?

While "on standby for" is more common and generally preferred, "on standby to" can be used in some contexts to indicate readiness to perform a specific action. However, ensure the construction sounds natural and clear in your intended context.

What does it mean to be "on standby for" an event or situation?

Being "on standby for" an event means you are prepared and available to respond or participate if needed. This implies a state of readiness and potential action, such as a backup quarterback being "ready for" the game.