shelve the application

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shelve the application" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to the act of postponing or setting aside a particular application for future consideration. Example: "Due to the current budget constraints, we have decided to shelve the application until next quarter."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The regime refuses to shelve the slogan.

The New Yorker

Its decision to shelve the I.P.O.

The New York Times

Where to shelve the Baroque Cycle?

The New York Times - Books

For this reason, we decided regretfully, to shelve the project.

The New Yorker

Instead, it asked her to shelve the measure.

The New York Times - Health

When confronted by Asif, he agreed to shelve the project.

Wikipedia

The producers shelved the stake.

The New York Times - Arts

The government shelved the plan.

The Guardian

But, he said, he shelved the project.

The New Yorker

Lawmakers have since shelved the bill.

The New York Times - Magazine

Miscavige shelved the idea, Rathbun told me.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "shelve the application", ensure the context implies a temporary or indefinite postponement rather than a permanent rejection. Provide a reason for the decision to maintain transparency.

Common error

Avoid using "shelve the application" when the intention is to reject it outright. "Shelve" suggests a possibility of future reconsideration, unlike outright rejection.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shelve the application" functions as a verb phrase, where "shelve" acts as a transitive verb taking "the application" as its direct object. According to Ludwig AI, this phrase is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

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Reference

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shelve the application" is a grammatically sound way to express the postponement or suspension of an application for future consideration. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. While examples are not numerous, its usage spans various contexts, including news, business, and general communication. It's crucial to ensure the context reflects a temporary hold rather than a permanent rejection when employing this phrase, and to be clear about the reasons for doing so. Alternatives like "put the application on hold" or "defer the application" can be used to convey a similar meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

put the application on hold

Replaces "shelve" with "put on hold", emphasizing a temporary suspension.

defer the application

Uses "defer" to indicate postponement to a later time.

suspend the application process

Specifies "suspend" and clarifies that it's the entire process being halted.

postpone consideration of the application

More formal, using "postpone consideration" for a delayed review.

table the application

Uses "table" to mean setting aside for later discussion.

delay the application's review

Focuses on delaying the "review" aspect of the application.

hold off on the application

Employs "hold off on" to suggest a temporary pause.

set aside the application

Indicates the application is being put to the side, possibly indefinitely.

mothball the application

Uses "mothball" metaphorically, implying long-term storage and potential future use.

cease processing the application

Directly states the processing is stopped, implying a more definitive halt.

FAQs

What does it mean to "shelve the application"?

To "shelve the application" means to postpone or set it aside for future consideration. It implies that the application is not being rejected outright, but rather put on hold.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "shelve the application"?

It's appropriate when the decision is to temporarily delay or suspend action on an application, with the possibility of revisiting it later. This might be due to budget constraints, lack of resources, or pending further information.

What are some alternatives to saying "shelve the application"?

You can use alternatives such as "put the application on hold", "defer the application", or "postpone consideration of the application" depending on the context.

Is "shelve the application" the same as "reject the application"?

No, "shelve the application" is not the same as rejecting it. Shelving implies a temporary hold, while rejection is a final decision. Shelving suggests potential future review, whereas rejection typically closes the matter.