stuck in neutral

USAGE SUMMARY

"stuck in neutral" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe a situation where someone is unable to make progress or take action. Example: "After months of planning, the project feels like it's stuck in neutral." Alternative expressions include "at a standstill" and "in a holding pattern."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

An economy stuck in neutral.

The New York Times

Its run game looked stuck in neutral.

The New York Times

Or else they're nervously stuck in neutral.

The Guardian - Money

Ever since, the process has been stuck in neutral.

Princeton University

"When he joined the museum we were stuck in neutral.

The New York Times - Arts

INSIDE TRACK: A great car stuck in neutral.

The New York Times

In other words, she seems, at this point, to be stuck in neutral.

The Guardian - Opinion

But Japanese stock funds fell 3.26percentt as Japan's economy was stuck in neutral.

The New York Times

While Alabama churned out yardage, Ole Miss was stuck in neutral.

The New York Times - Sports

And a program stuck in neutral is desperately in need of direction.

The New York Times

Why is productivity — the amount that a given worker produces — stuck in neutral?

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "stuck in neutral" to describe situations where forward progress is stalled or absent, whether in personal projects, business endeavors, or broader societal contexts.

Common error

While "stuck in neutral" is widely understood, reserve it for situations requiring a somewhat formal or analytical tone. Simpler language may be more effective in casual conversation.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "stuck in neutral" is as a predicate adjective. It modifies a noun or pronoun, describing its state or condition. Ludwig confirms its widespread use and grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

88%

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

3%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Science

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stuck in neutral" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of stagnation or lack of progress. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across various contexts, particularly in News & Media. While versatile, it's best suited for situations where a neutral to professional tone is appropriate. Alternatives like ""at a standstill"" or ""in a holding pattern"" offer similar meanings with slightly different nuances. When writing, remember that, though commonly used, being stuck in neutral can be avoided by considering the context of its use. Despite its frequent appearances in credible sources, consider that overusing it in informal contexts should also be avoided.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

This alternative emphasizes a complete cessation of movement or progress.

in a holding pattern

Suggests a temporary pause, often in anticipation of future action or change.

not progressing

A straightforward description of the absence of forward movement.

at an impasse

Indicates a situation where agreement or progress is impossible.

in a rut

Implies being trapped in a monotonous or unproductive routine.

marking time

Suggests engaging in activity that has no real purpose or effect.

deadlocked

Describes a situation where opposing sides are unable to reach an agreement.

stagnant

Implies a lack of growth, development, or progress.

bogged down

Suggests being hindered or delayed, often by complex or difficult circumstances.

motionless

Emphasizes the lack of physical or figurative movement.

FAQs

How can I use "stuck in neutral" in a sentence?

You can use "stuck in neutral" to describe a situation where progress has stalled, such as "The project has been "stuck in neutral" due to lack of funding" or "The negotiations are "stuck in neutral" because neither side is willing to compromise".

What are some alternatives to "stuck in neutral"?

Some alternatives to "stuck in neutral" include "at a standstill", "in a holding pattern", or "not progressing". The best choice depends on the specific context and nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "stuck in neutral" in formal writing?

Yes, "stuck in neutral" is appropriate for formal writing. It is widely used in news articles, academic papers, and business reports to describe situations where progress has stalled or is lacking.

What does it mean when something is described as "stuck in neutral"?

When something is described as "stuck in neutral", it means that it is not moving forward or making any progress. It implies a state of stagnation or inactivity, often suggesting that some external force or factor is preventing advancement.