standoff

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'standoff' is correct and usable in written English.
A standoff can refer to a contested situation, an unresolved conflict, or a tense confrontation. For example, you can use the phrase "The two sides remained in a standoff for hours before the negotiators found a resolution."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Film

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

In October, Freeman carried out a protest by standing on a Winston Churchill statue in Parliament Square in London in a 28-hour standoff with police.

The Guardian

Far from bolstering stability, Saudi policy actively works against western attempts to end the standoff with non-Arab Iran – still the natural regional partner for London and Washington that it was before the 1979 revolution.

The Guardian

The standoff at a home in Norwich ended after 32 hours of negotiations, according to the Norfolk constabulary.

The Guardian

The standoff was mostly peaceful, but police officers at one point scuffled with a protester who tried to push back their barriers.

The Guardian

A group of squatters vowed to take their high-stakes standoff with the police and bailiffs into Christmas Day after protestors scaled the balcony of a five-story Victorian building in central London.

The Guardian

The standoff looked set to continue into the weekend as the latest round of talks between local, regional and protest leaders ended on Monday afternoon without agreement.

The Guardian

Skinner said the standoff over the seat was the reason why he was too tired to think up his usual heckle when Black Rod enters the chamber to summon MPs to the Lords for the Queen's speech.

The Guardian

In real life, he staged a two-day standoff in which he was holed up in the steel-lined library in his mansion until the cops froze him out by turning off the heating.

The Guardian - Film

The shocking and powerful final scene is a standoff between Hubert and cop pointing guns at each other; the scene is framed by the traumatised face of Saïd, the north African member of the trio, and a voiceover saying that this is the "story of a society falling apart".

The Guardian - Film

Cross-party cooperation in Northern Ireland has come under fresh strain as emergency talks aimed at preventing the collapse of the power-sharing executive failed to resolve a standoff over welfare cuts.

The Guardian

The prolonged standoff predominantly between Germany and Greece is said to be slowing the return to growth, but Obama is siding with the Germans over the need for the Greek government to do more to co-operate.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "standoff" to describe situations where there is a deadlock or stalemate, especially in negotiations, conflicts, or confrontations. It implies a lack of immediate resolution and often a tense atmosphere.

Common error

Avoid using "standoff" when describing a rapidly evolving situation or a brief, fleeting conflict. "Standoff" implies a more prolonged and entrenched state of inaction or deadlock.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "standoff" is as a noun, referring to a situation of deadlock or confrontation where neither side is willing to yield. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in describing tense situations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Film

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "standoff" is a commonly used noun that describes a prolonged state of deadlock or confrontation. As noted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and versatile. The phrase is frequently encountered in news and media contexts, referring to political deadlocks, armed conflicts, or tense negotiations. Alternatives such as "impasse" or "stalemate" can be used depending on the nuance you wish to convey. To ensure correct usage, remember that a "standoff" implies a lack of immediate resolution and a degree of tension. The high frequency of examples from authoritative sources like The Guardian and The Economist further validates its prevalent use in formal and professional writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

deadlock

Highlights a situation where opposing sides are unable to reach an agreement, preventing progress.

stalemate

Suggests a situation where neither side can gain an advantage, resulting in a prolonged period of inaction.

impasse

Indicates a situation where no progress is possible, often in negotiations or discussions.

impasse

Similar to deadlock, it signifies a situation where progress is blocked and no agreement can be reached.

face-off

Describes a direct confrontation or meeting between opposing sides, often in a competitive setting.

confrontation

Emphasizes a direct and often hostile encounter between opposing parties.

draw

Suggests a situation where both sides are equally matched and neither can achieve a decisive victory.

Mexican standoff

Refers to a situation where multiple parties are pointing weapons at each other, creating a precarious and uncertain situation.

tie

Indicates an even score or result, where neither side prevails.

collision

Describes a clash or conflict, either physical or metaphorical, where opposing forces meet.

FAQs

How can I use "standoff" in a sentence?

You can use "standoff" to describe a situation where opposing sides are deadlocked. For example: "The "standoff" between the protesters and the police lasted for several hours".

What are some alternatives to "standoff"?

Alternatives to "standoff" include "impasse", "deadlock", and "stalemate". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "standoff" to describe a brief disagreement?

While "standoff" can describe a disagreement, it's more appropriate for prolonged situations. For a brief disagreement, consider words like "dispute" or "argument".

What's the difference between a "standoff" and a "confrontation"?

A "confrontation" implies a direct encounter, while a "standoff" suggests a prolonged period of deadlock without active engagement. A confrontation may lead to a standoff.