standing by

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "standing by" is correct and is commonly used in written English.
It is often used to indicate that someone is ready to help, respond, or act when needed. For example, "The fire department is standing by to respond in the event of an emergency."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We're not standing by".

The New Yorker

Joseph standing by her.

The New York Times

Comment moderators are standing by.

The New York Times

"My factories are standing by".

The New York Times

The police were standing by quietly.

The New York Times

But it does not mean standing by.

Independent

Maybe they were standing by the door.

The New Yorker

The university is standing by its findings.

The New York Times

Legislative SWAT teams are standing by.

The New York Times

Mom, thanks for standing by me".

The New Yorker

"We are standing by them," she said.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standing by" to clearly indicate a state of readiness or support, whether it's for physical assistance, technical support, or emotional solidarity. For example: "The medical team is standing by in case of emergencies."

Common error

Avoid using "standing by" when you actually mean actively participating or intervening. "Standing by" implies a state of readiness, not necessarily direct involvement. For example, don't say "He was standing by during the rescue operation" if he was actively pulling people from the wreckage.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing by" functions as a prepositional phrase often used as an adjective to describe a state of readiness, support, or proximity. Ludwig AI confirms this usage is grammatically correct. Examples show it describing people, organizations, or systems.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "standing by" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that conveys a state of readiness, support, or proximity. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its correctness and broad applicability. It is frequently found in news and media, as well as academic and professional contexts, to assure audiences of preparedness without necessarily implying active engagement. When using "standing by", ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning of readiness rather than active participation, and consider alternatives like "ready to assist" or "prepared to act" for nuanced emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on standby

Very similar, but often used in technical or logistical contexts, implying a formal state of readiness.

at the ready

Similar to "standing by" but puts greater emphasis on immediate availability and preparedness.

ready to assist

Focuses on the proactive willingness to help or support, rather than just being in a state of readiness.

providing backup

Indicates a role of reinforcement or assistance if needed, with an emphasis on a supporting role.

prepared to act

Emphasizes the preparation and intention to take action when necessary.

offering support

Highlights the act of giving assistance or encouragement, which is a more active role than "standing by".

close at hand

Highlights the availability and accessibility of something, differing from a more proactive stance.

in close proximity

Highlights physical closeness or nearness, rather than a state of readiness or support.

looming

Suggests an impending presence or threat, where someone or something is close and possibly about to act.

in attendance

Refers to being present at a specific location or event, which is a broader context than actively "standing by".

FAQs

How can I use "standing by" in a sentence?

You can use "standing by" to indicate readiness or support. For example, "The technicians are "standing by" to fix any issues", or "We are "standing by" the community during this difficult time".

What does "standing by" mean in a professional context?

In a professional setting, "standing by" often means being ready to provide assistance or support when needed. It implies preparedness and availability without necessarily being actively engaged at the moment. For example, "Our customer service team is "standing by" to answer your questions."

What's the difference between ""standing by"" and "taking action"?

"Standing by" suggests a state of readiness or support, while "taking action" implies active involvement or intervention. "Standing by" is about being prepared; "taking action" is about doing something.

What are some alternatives to ""standing by"" that I can use?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives such as "ready to assist", "prepared to act", "on standby", or "offering support".