stuck in place

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "stuck in place" is correct and usable in written English.
It is often used to describe a person or thing which is unable to move forward or progress. For example, "The large boulder had been stuck in place for centuries, blocking the entrance to the cave."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Arts

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

"You feel stuck in place, numb," he writes.

The New York Times - Books

Harmony was stuck in place and in crisis.

The New York Times - Arts

But Golaud's essentially two-note theme (an alternating whole step) seems almost stuck in place.

The New York Times - Arts

African-Americans have become — to borrow the title of Sharkey's recent book — "stuck in place".

The New Yorker

Are some cuisines kind of stuck in place because of underlying prejudices?

The Washington Post

More than in the past, low-wage workers are stuck in place.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

5 human-written examples

Some get apoplectic over its eclectic mix of stuck-in-place diatonic harmonies, hurdy-gurdy accompaniments and long stretches of monodic melody.

The New York Times - Arts

Fixing what ails us in our seething, angry, gridlocked, stuck-in-place culture is something else.

The New York Times

But for that plain old feeling of stuck-in-place, there are solutions.

BBC

All those stuck-in-place workers are dragging down the economy, write the authors.

Huffington Post

Since 1980 half of Americans have been stuck in place their wages in real terms haven't budged while the top 20% have seen large gains.

Harvard Business Review

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a situation of stagnation, consider using "stuck in place" to convey a sense of being trapped or unable to move forward.

Common error

Avoid using "stuck in place" when a more dynamic verb would better capture the intended action. For example, instead of "The project is stuck in place", consider "The project stalled" or "The project is stagnating".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "stuck in place" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase or an adjective phrase, often modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of immobility or stagnation. As noted by Ludwig, it correctly and effectively communicates a lack of progress or movement.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Arts

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "stuck in place" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of immobility or stagnation. As indicated by Ludwig, its versatility allows it to be applied to various contexts, both literal and figurative. While it's frequently found in News & Media, it's also present in academic and informal settings. To avoid overuse, consider alternatives like "at a standstill" or "immobilized" to add nuance to your writing. Remember to choose the most dynamic verb when describing a situation of stagnation and consider the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at a standstill

Implies a halt in activity or progress.

immobilized

Highlights a state of being unable to move, often due to external forces or constraints.

held back

Implies an external force preventing advancement.

motionless

Emphasizes complete lack of physical movement.

constrained

Highlights limitations preventing movement or progress.

unable to progress

Focuses on the lack of advancement or development.

confined

Focuses on being restricted to a limited space or situation.

in a rut

Suggests a repetitive and unproductive situation.

mired

Indicates being deeply trapped in a difficult situation.

bogged down

Suggests being trapped or overwhelmed, hindering progress.

FAQs

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

You can use "stuck in place" to describe something or someone unable to move or progress. For instance, "The negotiations are "at a standstill", leaving the deal "stuck in place"".

What does "stuck in place" mean?

The phrase "stuck in place" means being unable to move, progress, or change. It often implies a sense of frustration or stagnation.

Are there any synonyms for "stuck in place"?

Yes, you can use phrases like "at a standstill", "immobilized", or "unable to progress" depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "stuck in place"?

Yes, "stuck in place" is grammatically correct and commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.