I can barely wait for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I can barely wait for" can be used in written English.
It is used to express excitement or anticipation for something. For example, "I can barely wait for Christmas vacation to start!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

I can barely wait for the inspector to ask someone to "account for their movements" on the night that the retired army major's head was found in a hatbox behind the post office.

The Guardian - Opinion

I am totally enthralled by horse racing and I can barely wait for Saturday.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

I can barely wait to read the next one.

The Guardian - Books

I can hardly wait for answers, to so many questions".

Independent

I can hardly wait for next year!

Huffington Post

And yet it seems clear that Pardew can barely wait to pack his bags and leave Tyneside for Selhurst Park once the call came from his former club following the sacking of Neil Warnock.

BBC

Some can barely wait.

The Economist

One imagines Capello can barely wait.

Independent

I could barely wait for my cake to cool before cutting a sliver.

The New York Times

Needless to say, I was pumped, and could barely wait for my next game to begin.

The New York Times - Arts

thank u everyone for the congratulations! i am so happy i can barely breathe #makingmyselfdizzy #AcademyAwards.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone of your writing. While acceptable, "I can barely wait for" may sound slightly informal in certain professional contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "I can barely wait for" too frequently in a single piece of writing. Vary your expressions of anticipation to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I can barely wait for" functions as an expression of strong anticipation or excitement regarding a future event or situation. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatical and widely used.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I can barely wait for" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to convey a strong sense of anticipation and excitement. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is used to express one's eagerness for an upcoming event or situation. While typically neutral in tone, its suitability can vary depending on the formality of the context. For professional settings, alternatives like "I am eagerly anticipating" or "I am looking forward to" might be more appropriate. As shown by Ludwig, its presence in News & Media suggests wide acceptabiliy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I'm looking forward to

A more common and versatile way to express excitement.

I'm excited about

Emphasizes the feeling of excitement.

I am thrilled about

Focuses on the feeling of being thrilled.

I'm eagerly anticipating

Focuses on the anticipation aspect with a formal tone.

I'm keen on

Highlights enthusiasm and interest.

I anticipate with pleasure

Expresses anticipation in a more formal and refined way.

I am awaiting with bated breath

Creates a sense of suspenseful anticipation.

I am itching for

Expresses a strong desire and impatience.

I am on tenterhooks for

Implies anxiety and excitement about a future event.

I cannot contain my excitement for

Highlights the difficulty in controlling one's enthusiasm.

FAQs

How can I use "I can barely wait for" in a sentence?

You can use "I can barely wait for" to express strong anticipation about something. For example, "I can barely wait for the movie to come out" or "I can barely wait for my vacation".

What's a more formal alternative to "I can barely wait for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "I am eagerly anticipating" or "I am looking forward to". These options convey a similar meaning with a more professional register.

Is "I can hardly wait for" the same as "I can barely wait for"?

Yes, "I can hardly wait for" is very similar in meaning to "I can barely wait for", both expressing strong anticipation. The difference is negligible and they are often used interchangeably.

What are some creative ways to express excitement besides "I can barely wait for"?

To express excitement more creatively, you could say "I am thrilled about", "I am counting down the days until", or "I am bursting with anticipation for" depending on the context.