will be on hold

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "will be on hold" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that an action, decision, or process has been suspended or delayed. For example: "The meeting scheduled for tomorrow will be on hold until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

In Berlin, military officials said advising missions on the base will be on hold for one or two days while the Afghan army investigates, but that work would resume.

Huffington Post

Then we think the Fed will be on hold.

The New York Times

So the whole process will be on hold.

The Guardian - Opinion

But once that is done, capital spending plans will be on hold.

The New York Times

That's misleading because none of our operations in Iraq will be on hold.

The Washington Post

The proposals will be on hold until Michael Gove, the justice secretary, has conducted a wider consultation.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Worse, if you try to call to complain, you'll be on hold for an hour.

TechCrunch

So at best, the peace process will probably be on hold for the time being.

The New York Times

If the judicial review goes ahead, the IRP review will be put on hold.

BBC

Expansion plans in cities such as Los Angeles will be put on hold.

Los Angeles Times

The button will change to a Hold button, and call will be placed on hold.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "will be on hold" to clearly communicate that an action or decision is temporarily suspended. Ensure the context provides clarity on the reason for the hold and any expected duration.

Common error

Avoid using "will be on hold" without indicating whether the suspension is temporary or indefinite. Ambiguity can lead to confusion. Provide context like "until further notice" or "for the next quarter" to clarify the timeframe.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "will be on hold" functions as a modal verb phrase indicating a future state of temporary suspension or delay. It modifies a noun or action, signifying that it is paused or inactive. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "will be on hold" is a common and grammatically sound way to express that something is temporarily suspended or delayed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in various contexts, particularly in news, academic writing, and general announcements. When using this phrase, ensure the context clarifies the reason for the hold and the expected duration to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives like "will be suspended" or "will be postponed" for nuanced meanings. The primary function of this phrase is to inform readers that a particular action or decision is paused but likely to resume.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will be suspended

Emphasizes a temporary cessation of activity.

will be temporarily stopped

Directly states that an action is halted for a limited time.

will be postponed

Highlights the act of delaying something to a later time.

will be ceased temporarily

Formally indicates a temporary stop to an action or process.

will be delayed

Focuses on the action being slowed down or not happening on schedule.

will be deferred

Suggests a formal postponement, often to a specific future date.

will be put off

Indicates a more informal delay or avoidance of something.

will be in abeyance

Implies a temporary state of inactivity or suspension.

will be shelved

Suggests the project or plan is put aside, possibly indefinitely.

will be kept in limbo

Highlights a state of uncertainty and indefinite suspension.

FAQs

How can I use "will be on hold" in a sentence?

You can use "will be on hold" to indicate that something is temporarily suspended or delayed. For example, "Negotiations "will be on hold" while the panel assembles its report".

What's the difference between "will be on hold" and "will be suspended"?

"Will be on hold" and "will be suspended" are quite similar, but "will be suspended" often implies a more formal or official cessation, while "will be on hold" can be more general.

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "will be on hold"?

Alternatives include "will be postponed", "will be delayed", or "will be deferred", depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "will be on hold" in formal writing?

Yes, "will be on hold" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, though in highly formal writing, consider alternatives like "will be deferred" for a more sophisticated tone.