still on paper

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "still on paper" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something exists only in theory or as a plan, rather than being implemented or realized in practice. Example: "The new policy is still on paper and has not yet been put into action."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

The fusion reactor, still on paper, is safer than the fission one for there is no danger of a runaway accident.

The New Yorker

Still, on paper the pacing seems airtight.

The New York Times - Arts

"I have a friend who's still on paper.

The New York Times

In most cases information was still on paper, and its volume thus limited.

The Economist

During your advisor/student meeting, complete the Student Progress Review form which is still on paper only.

University of California, Berkeley

The difference is that Europe's program is in business, whereas America's best ideas are still on paper.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

However, Ms Loughlin accepts she is still terminally ill "on paper".

BBC

The company still exists on paper, said one of its board members last week.

Los Angeles Times

Slide the dough still on the paper, as parchment paper can be baked.

WikiHow

In others, the process is still there on paper, but no one remembers who is supposed to do what.

Forbes

However, for services that still rely on paper notes this is likely to be a time-intensive process.

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "still on paper", ensure the context clearly indicates that the subject is a plan, design, or idea that has not yet been put into practice. Avoid using it for something that has been partially implemented.

Common error

Avoid using "still on paper" to describe projects that have been abandoned or canceled. This phrase implies a future possibility of implementation, which is misleading if the project is defunct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "still on paper" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating the current status or state of a plan, idea, or project. It emphasizes that the subject remains in a conceptual or planning phase. As Ludwig AI suggests, it denotes something not yet implemented or realized.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

16%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "still on paper" is a grammatically sound and readily understood expression signifying that a plan, idea, or project remains in its conceptual stage and has not yet been implemented. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Its use is prevalent in news and media, as well as academic and scientific contexts, indicating a broad applicability across diverse subjects. It's important to note that the phrase should not be used to describe something already started, or abandoned. Alternatives like "only in theory" or "in the planning stages", are available to use, depending on the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

only in theory

Focuses on the theoretical aspect rather than the planning stage.

merely a concept

Emphasizes that the idea is just a concept and hasn't been developed further.

in the planning stages

Highlights the ongoing process of planning and development.

not yet implemented

Focuses on the lack of practical application or execution.

under development

Suggests active progress but incomplete realization.

on the drawing board

Implies initial design and planning phases.

in the pipeline

Indicates a future plan with some progress, but not yet available.

a work in progress

Highlights the ongoing and incomplete nature of the project.

just an idea

Simplifies the notion to its most basic form, an unrefined thought.

exists only as a proposal

Highlights that the plan is in a proposal format.

FAQs

How can I use "still on paper" in a sentence?

You can use "still on paper" to describe plans or ideas that haven't been implemented. For example, "The fusion reactor, "still on paper", is safer than the fission one for there is no danger of a runaway accident."

What does "still on paper" mean?

"Still on paper" means that something exists only as a plan or idea, and hasn't yet been put into practice or implemented. It implies that it is in a theoretical or developmental stage.

What are some alternatives to "still on paper"?

You can use alternatives like "only in theory", "merely a concept", or "in the planning stages" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "still on paper"?

It's appropriate to use "still on paper" when you want to emphasize that a particular plan or idea is not yet a reality, and exists primarily as a design or proposal. Avoid using it if the project has already been started or abandoned. For example: "Many of the most radical ideas are "still on paper", such as the right of automatic appeal to an ombudsman against local government rulings on health and safety."