standing by for

USAGE SUMMARY

"standing by for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to wait for something or to be ready to do something. For example, you might write, "The rescue squad was standing by for orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

32 human-written examples

Fox News, CNN and MSNBC all declined to carry Sanders' speech, instead offering punditry about the evening, with the chyrons promising, "AWAITING TRUMP" and "STANDING BY FOR TRUMP".

Huffington Post

Attention President Bush: C.E.O.'s in Detroit are standing by for your call.

The New York Times

Batteries of lawyers are standing by for both sides in the swing states, especially Ohio, where the skirmishing was already under way.

The New York Times

Still, your call is important to ABC, and it's worth standing by for the second episode of "Karen Sisco," which will be shown next Wednesday.

The New York Times - Arts

A security guard has been standing by for seven hours, listening over and over again to the recorded information about the purse.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Jet 3990, we did call the Quad City airport, hoping they'll have someone standing by for you," an air traffic controller told the pilot.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

28 human-written examples

Thank you for standing by me, for supporting me and all my crazy dreams, and for showering me with your unconditional love.

Huffington Post

And thank you for standing by the search for truth for so many years.

Huffington Post

The Brownsville wunderkind has ended up an embittered, paranoid crank, standing by and for himself alone.

The New York Times - Books

But Vatican officials in Chile are standing by Barros – for now.

The Guardian

The police aren't the only ones standing by, waiting for a trial to start.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "standing by for", ensure the context clearly specifies what is being waited for. This adds clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions after "standing by". "Standing by on" or "standing by at" are grammatically incorrect. The correct form is always "standing by for".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing by for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a state of readiness or anticipation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and widely used. It often modifies a verb, specifying the condition under which an action will be taken. Examples from Ludwig show its use in news and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "standing by for" is a versatile prepositional phrase used to indicate a state of readiness and anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently used. Predominantly found in News & Media, it conveys preparedness and is applicable across various contexts. When writing, ensure you specify what is being awaited to maintain clarity. Consider alternatives like "awaiting" or "on standby for" depending on the desired nuance. Remember to avoid incorrect preposition pairings such as "standing by on". By following these guidelines, you can effectively incorporate "standing by for" into your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

on standby for

Very similar, emphasizing availability and readiness.

waiting for

A more general term indicating a period of waiting for an unspecified event or action.

at the ready for

Suggests the entity is completely ready and available to be used at any time.

awaiting

Implies a direct expectation and waiting period for something specific.

expecting

Highlights the expectation that something will happen.

ready for

Highlights the state of being completely ready.

prepared for

Emphasizes the readiness and preparation aspect more than the waiting.

gearing up for

Suggests actively preparing and getting ready for something.

in anticipation of

Focuses on the feeling of excitement and expectation before an event.

bracing for

Indicates preparing for something potentially difficult or unpleasant.

FAQs

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

You can use "standing by for" to indicate readiness or anticipation. For example: "The technicians are standing by for the signal to launch." or "The analysts are "awaiting" the quarterly results."

What is a similar phrase to "standing by for"?

Similar phrases include "waiting for", "on standby for", and "ready for". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it better to say "standing by for" or "waiting for"?

"Standing by for" implies a state of readiness and preparedness, while "waiting for" is a more general term. Use "standing by for" when you want to emphasize the readiness to act.

What does "standing by for" mean in a military context?

In a military context, "standing by for" typically means that personnel are ready and "prepared for" immediate deployment or action when ordered.