went dormant

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "went dormant" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to describe a situation in which something temporarily stopped existing, operating, or progressing. Example: The volcano went dormant for several years before erupting again.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Sports

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The effort went dormant.

The New York Times

Mawenzi arose soon after, then went dormant.

The New York Times - Sports

The effort went dormant, but not for long.

The New York Times

But the chapter went dormant for several years until its revival in 2013.

Cornell University

But he found it hard to make regular updates, and the site eventually went dormant.

The New York Times

AFTER some hair-raising misadventures in the 1980s, Britain's local-government bond market went dormant.

The Economist

The Gingrich campaign, which went dormant in the summer, is racing to catch up.

The New York Times

For one, the trees went dormant in late December, when colder-than-average weather arrived.

The Washington Post

Then when the strikes didn't happen the studios simply went dormant.

The New York Times

The Yankees' offense went dormant after that, and their pitchers were hopeless.

The New York Times - Sports

Again, the Yankees scratched out a run without much offense, and immediately went dormant.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "went dormant" to describe situations where activity or functionality has temporarily ceased, but with an implied possibility of future revival or resumption. Consider the context to ensure it accurately reflects the temporary nature of the inactivity.

Common error

Avoid using "went dormant" when describing permanent cessation or irreversible states. The phrase implies a potential for future reactivation, so it's unsuitable for describing situations that are definitively over.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "went dormant" functions as a predicate in a sentence, indicating a state change. It describes a subject that has transitioned into a state of inactivity or suspension, as evidenced by Ludwig examples. This phrase suggests a temporary cessation, implying potential reactivation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Science

10%

Sports

8%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "went dormant" is a versatile and commonly used expression to describe a temporary state of inactivity. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and widely applicable. It typically implies a cessation of activity with the potential for future revival. Predominantly found in News & Media, Science, and Sports contexts, its neutral register makes it suitable for diverse situations. While alternatives like "became inactive" or "became suspended" exist, "went dormant" provides a concise and readily understood way to convey temporary cessation. Avoid using it to describe irreversible situations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

became inactive

Focuses on the state of being not active, emphasizing the change in condition.

became latent

Highlights a hidden or suppressed state, often implying potential for future activity.

became suspended

Emphasizes a temporary interruption or cessation, often with an expectation of resumption.

became still

Suggests a cessation of movement or activity, focusing on a state of quietude.

ceased functioning

Focuses specifically on the end of operational activity or performance.

temporarily ceased

Directly indicates a pause in activity, emphasizing its non-permanent nature.

entered a period of inactivity

More formally describes an extended phase without activity.

lapsed into inactivity

Implies a gradual decline into a state of non-action, often unintentionally.

was in abeyance

Indicates a temporary state of suspension, particularly in legal or formal contexts.

took a hiatus

Suggests a deliberate pause or break, often for rest or rejuvenation.

FAQs

How can I use "went dormant" in a sentence?

You can use "went dormant" to describe something that has temporarily stopped being active or functional. For example, "The project "went dormant" due to lack of funding, but may be revived later".

What is a good alternative to "went dormant"?

Alternatives to "went dormant" include "became inactive", "became latent", or "became suspended", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say something 'went dormant', or should I use a different tense?

The phrase "went dormant" is grammatically correct. Other tenses, like "has gone dormant" or "is going dormant", are also valid depending on the context and timing you want to express.

What's the difference between "went dormant" and "became obsolete"?

"Went dormant" implies a temporary state of inactivity with potential for future revival, whereas "became obsolete" suggests something is no longer useful or relevant and is unlikely to be used again.