to be on pause

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "to be on pause" is correct and can be used in written English.
You would use this phrase to indicate that something is either suspended or temporarily stopped. For example, "Due to the pandemic, our project has been put on pause until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

"The whole thing seems to be on pause at the moment," said Chris Woods of the Bureau of Investigative Journalism, a watchdog group that tallies the drone strikes, mostly using news reports.

The New York Times

Illustrio seems to be on pause right now as well.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A senior administration official said that, for now, most aid to Honduras was "on pause".

The New York Times

But, that doesn't mean that your experience of happiness has to be put on pause.

Huffington Post

Because one is spiritual, it doesn't mean that one has to be on the poverty... ...... Morgan pauses, possibly remembering the Veuve Clicquot in the driveway.

Independent

I have forever been and will always be on pause.

Vice

While the government determines what that certification looks like, the program would be on pause.

Los Angeles Times

To be on the safe side, women should pause before they knock back a glass of wine, and think of the damage it might do to their health.

Independent

I'm on pause and there's no one to press play.

Vice

We are on pause.

The New Yorker

Before it was like my life was on pause".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "to be on pause" when describing a temporary cessation with the expectation of resumption. It's suitable for projects, plans, or activities that are temporarily stopped.

Common error

Avoid using "to be on pause" when referring to something that has ended permanently. Instead, opt for phrases like "discontinued", "terminated", or "finished".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "to be on pause" functions as a predicative expression, typically describing the state of a project, activity, or process that is temporarily suspended. Ludwig highlights its usage in diverse contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Formal & Business

15%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "to be on pause" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate that something is temporarily suspended. Ludwig AI confirms that it is suitable for various contexts, primarily in news and media, but also in formal and business settings. When writing, ensure it's used for temporary cessations, avoiding its application to permanent endings. Alternatives such as ""to be suspended"" or ""to be halted temporarily"" may be considered based on context for subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

to be suspended

Focuses on the state of being temporarily prevented from continuing.

to be halted temporarily

Highlights the temporary nature of the cessation.

to be temporarily inactive

Emphasizes the state of not currently being active.

to be in abeyance

Implies a state of temporary inactivity or suspension, often in a legal or formal context.

to be mothballed

Suggests a longer-term suspension, often involving preservation for future use.

to be in cold storage

Similar to mothballed, but often used for projects or ideas.

to be in limbo

Indicates a state of uncertainty or suspension, awaiting a decision.

to be deferred

Highlights the postponement to a later time.

to be shelved

Implies the project is postponed indefinitely.

to be put off

Simple and direct way of saying something is delayed.

FAQs

How can I use "to be on pause" in a sentence?

You can use "to be on pause" to indicate that something is temporarily stopped. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, the project is "to be on pause" until further notice."

What are some alternatives to saying "to be on pause"?

Alternatives include "to be suspended", "to be halted temporarily", or "to be temporarily inactive" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "to be on pause", or should I use another phrase?

"To be on pause" is a correct and commonly used phrase. Its suitability depends on the context; consider alternatives like "to be in abeyance" for formal situations or "to be shelved" for indefinitely postponed projects.

What does it mean when something is "to be on pause"?

When something is "to be on pause", it means it is temporarily stopped or suspended. This implies that it will likely resume at some point in the future.