sits idle

USAGE SUMMARY

"sits idle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you're talking about someone or something that isn't doing anything. For example: "The car sits idle in my driveway, out of commission since the accident."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Equipment sits idle in warehouses.

The New York Times

the GPU sits idle and the entire program runs slowly.

University of California, Berkeley

Now the car sits idle in the garage.

The New York Times

The $100 chip sits idle, and will never get used.

The New York Times

But their skiff sits idle in the backyard now.

The New York Times

In the backyard, the disused swimming pool sits idle.

The Guardian - Opinion

About $180 million of the $235 million the program was granted sits idle in Afghan coffers.

The New York Times

It also locks if it sits idle in the computer for more than three minutes.

The New York Times

This can be compounded if the vehicle sits idle for long periods, especially in freezing weather.

The New York Times

Nearby, the state-of-the-art Ciudad Real Central Airport, which opened in 2009, sits idle.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

This simple change in the power scheme reduces the amount of time the camera sits idling.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing unused resources or potential, use "sits idle" to clearly convey a state of inactivity and unrealized value. For example: "The equipment "sits idle", awaiting deployment."

Common error

Avoid assuming "sits idle" always implies a negative situation. Sometimes, planned inactivity is strategic, such as a server "sits idle" as a backup, ready for immediate use if needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "sits idle" primarily functions as a verb phrase describing a state of inactivity. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, highlighting its role in depicting something not being used, as seen in examples like "Equipment "sits idle" in warehouses."

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "sits idle" effectively describes a state of inactivity or non-use. Ludwig AI confirms that this phrase is grammatically correct and commonly used across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Science. It implies unrealized potential or wasted resources. While "sits idle" is suitable for neutral registers, understanding its connotations and potential misinterpretations is crucial. Consider alternatives like "remains unused" or "lies dormant" to fine-tune your message. Remember, while the phrase is often associated with negative implications, planned inactivity can also be strategic.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remains unused

Focuses on the lack of use rather than the physical state of inactivity.

remains inactive

Highlights the absence of activity or operation.

is not in use

Directly states the absence of utilization.

lies dormant

Emphasizes a potential for future activity, currently inactive.

is out of service

Indicates a temporary or permanent state of non-functionality.

is at a standstill

Emphasizes a complete cessation of movement or progress.

is non-operational

Focuses on the inability to operate or function.

is mothballed

Suggests a deliberate removal from service, often for preservation.

is gathering dust

Implies neglect and prolonged inactivity.

is stagnating

Highlights a lack of progress or development due to inactivity.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "sits idle"?

When something "sits idle", it means that it is not being used or is not active. It implies a state of inactivity, often suggesting a potential for use that is currently untapped.

How can I use "sits idle" in a sentence?

You can use "sits idle" to describe anything that is not currently in operation or being utilized. For example, "The factory "sits idle" due to lack of funding", or "The car "sits idle" in the garage during the week".

What are some alternatives to saying "sits idle"?

Alternatives to "sits idle" include phrases like "remains unused", "lies dormant", or "remains inactive". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "sit idle" or "sits idle"?

"Sit idle" is used with plural subjects or with "I", "you", "we", and "they". "Sits idle" is used with singular subjects (he, she, it). For example, "The machines sit idle" versus "The machine sits idle".