He waited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "He waited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a situation where a person is in a state of waiting for something or someone. Example: "He waited patiently for the bus to arrive, checking his watch every few minutes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He waited.

The New York Times

He waited upwind.

The New Yorker

He waited a beat.

The New York Times

He waited in his house.

The New Yorker

He waited in vain.

The Guardian - Sport

He waited there.

The New York Times - Magazine

He waited and waited.

The Guardian - Sport

(He waited 13 years).

The New York Times

He waited three days.

The New York Times - Style

He waited some more.

The New York Times

He waited a while.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "He waited", consider adding context to specify the duration, reason, or emotional state associated with the waiting period. For example, "He waited anxiously", or "He waited for the rain to stop".

Common error

Ensure the context makes it clear what or who "he" is waiting for. Without clear context, the sentence "He waited" can leave the reader wondering about the object of his waiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "He waited" primarily functions as an independent clause, typically serving as the main clause in a sentence. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness. It describes a state of being, specifically the action of waiting performed by a male subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "He waited" is a grammatically sound and very common phrase used to describe a male subject in a state of waiting. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is correct and usable in written English, appearing primarily in news and media contexts. While simple, it's crucial to provide sufficient context to avoid ambiguity and enhance clarity. Alternatives like "He lingered" or "He bided his time" offer nuanced variations. When writing, consider the emotional state, reason, and duration of the waiting period to create a more vivid and descriptive sentence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

He bided his time

Focuses on waiting strategically for an opportune moment.

He lingered

Suggests a more relaxed or hesitant form of waiting, often implying a reluctance to leave.

He stood by

Implies waiting in close proximity and readiness to act or assist.

He paused

Highlights a temporary stop or delay, indicating a brief period of waiting.

He marked time

Suggests waiting passively, often without progress or activity.

He tarried

Implies a deliberate delay or lingering, often for pleasure or enjoyment.

He remained

Focuses on staying in a particular place or condition while waiting.

He stayed put

Emphasizes remaining in one location while waiting, often to avoid risk or trouble.

He cooled his heels

An idiom indicating a period of forced or impatient waiting.

He was patient

Emphasizes the quality of patience during the waiting period.

FAQs

How can I make the sentence "He waited" more descriptive?

To add more detail, specify how long he waited (e.g., "He waited for hours"), the reason for waiting (e.g., "He waited for the bus"), or his emotional state while waiting (e.g., "He waited anxiously").

What are some alternatives to saying "He waited"?

Alternatives include phrases like "He lingered", "He stood by", or "He bided his time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. See more alternatives "here".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "He waited"?

Yes, it is perfectly acceptable to start a sentence with "He waited", as long as it fits the context and grammatical structure of the surrounding text.

How can I avoid vagueness when using the phrase "He waited"?

Provide context by specifying who or what he was waiting for. For example, instead of just saying "He waited", say "He waited for her arrival" to provide more clarity.