standby meaning and examples

Meaning

The word standby can function as both a noun and an adjective.

1. Noun:

   • A state of readiness to act immediately if needed.
   • A person or thing available for use when required.

2. Adjective:

   • Ready to be used if needed.
   • Describes something kept as a backup or held in reserve.

Grammar and Usage

• Part of speech: Noun / Adjective

• Usage patterns:

  • on standby: ready and waiting for action.
  • a standby: something reliable or used as a backup.
  • standby ticket: a ticket valid only if seats are available.

Common Phrases

• on standby – waiting and ready to act.
• a reliable standby – something always useful or dependable.
• standby mode – a low-power state for electronic devices.
• standby ticket – an airline or train ticket that only works if seats open up.

Collocations

• verb + standby: keep on standby, remain on standby, put on standby
• standby + noun: generator, ticket, mode, power
• adjective use: standby generator, standby crew, standby arrangement

Examples

1. The soldiers were kept on standby in case of emergency.
2. I always carry a standby charger for my phone.
3. The plane was full, but I got a seat with a standby ticket.
4. The doctor is on standby during the operation.
5. This dish is my standby recipe when I don’t know what to cook.
6. The hospital had a standby generator in case of power cuts.
7. He kept some money on standby for unexpected expenses.
8. The device automatically switches to standby mode after 10 minutes.

Synonyms or Related

• backup
• reserve
• substitute
• fallback
• spare