standing idle

USAGE SUMMARY

"standing idle" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a person or an object that is not doing anything, typically for an extended period of time. Example: The machine was standing idle while the technician attended to the other machines.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

They're standing idle.

The Guardian

Yet it is mostly standing idle.

The Guardian - Business

There a huge, Mike Mulligan-eshovelhovel was standing idle.

The New Yorker

Despite his imprisonment, Huang's offshore network is not standing idle.

The Guardian

But the cable companies will not be standing idle.

The New York Times

On the busiest day of the show, fresh juice and pizza vans were standing idle.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

The front desk is so disorganized that it can't accommodate a walk-in customer, although employees are standing around idle.

The New York Times - Arts

On August 29, 1934, the day after winning the nomination, he explained the plan: There are a couple of thousand factories in our state standing entirely idle and the rest are working less than half the time.

The New Yorker

"Standing virtually idle for more than a decade couldn't help but affect the expertise and skills of the shipbuilders, which must have caused this technical fault.

Los Angeles Times

Also, the presence of four actors onstage, just standing there and idle for much of the time, is undramatic.

The New York Times - Arts

"It is commonplace, if you are a resident of the city of Chicago, to see work crews on which only a couple of people are working and others appear to be standing or sitting idle," Mr. Ferguson said last week.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standing idle" to vividly describe a state of inactivity when highlighting potential waste or missed opportunities. For example, "The equipment was "standing idle", representing a significant financial loss."

Common error

Avoid using "standing idly" when you intend to describe an object or system's state. "Standing idly" often refers to people passively observing, whereas "standing idle" describes a state of inactivity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "standing idle" functions as a verb phrase that describes the state of being inactive or not in use. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. Examples in Ludwig show it applied to equipment, personnel, and even abstract concepts like capital.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

57%

Science

20%

Encyclopedias

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Wiki

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "standing idle" is a versatile verb phrase used to depict a state of inactivity, often implying underutilization or missed opportunities. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for use in various contexts. With a "Very common" frequency, its application spans across news, science, and encyclopedic sources, highlighting its neutrality in register. When writing, be mindful of the distinction between "standing idle" (describing a state) and "standing idly" (describing an action). For related expressions, consider phrases such as "remaining inactive", "laying dormant", or "being inoperative", each with slightly different connotations. "Standing idle" is most effective when you want to draw attention to untapped potential or inefficiency.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remaining inactive

Emphasizes a state of non-action or lack of activity.

out of service

Indicates that something is temporarily or permanently unavailable for use.

laying dormant

Suggests a temporary state of inactivity, implying potential for future use.

not functioning

Focuses on the inability to perform a required task or operation.

being inoperative

Specifically refers to a state of not being functional, often for machinery or systems.

doing nothing

A more general and less formal way of saying that someone or something is not engaged in any activity.

unproductive

Highlights the lack of output or results from a person or process.

at rest

Implies a state of stillness or tranquility, rather than necessarily implying disuse.

passive

Suggests a lack of active involvement or participation.

unoccupied

Refers to a space or object that is not currently being used or inhabited.

FAQs

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

"Standing idle" can describe equipment, resources, or personnel that are not actively in use. For example: "The machinery was "standing idle" due to lack of supplies."

What are some alternatives to "standing idle"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases such as "remaining inactive", "laying dormant", or "being inoperative".

Is it correct to say "standing idly" instead of "standing idle"?

"Standing idly" describes the manner in which someone is standing (passively). "Standing idle" describes the state of something not being in use. The choice depends on what you want to emphasize.

What's the difference between "standing idle" and "standing unused"?

"Standing idle" implies a temporary state of inactivity, while "standing unused" suggests that something is not currently in service but may be available. The nuance lies in whether the inactivity is perceived as short-term or longer-term.