always waiting to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "always waiting to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a continuous state of anticipation or expectation regarding an action or event. Example: "She is always waiting to hear back from the job interview she attended last week."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

"I was always waiting to get back and prove myself.

The New York Times

"We're always waiting to be entertained by the next thing – what is bigger, better and faster?

Independent

So when one team cut him loose, another was always waiting to pick him up.

The New York Times - Sports

"What is it all about this fire always waiting to blaze up?

Independent

"I was always waiting to meet someone where it felt right, like the stars were aligned.

The New York Times

I was always waiting to see if the opponent can make mistakes.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

"You can't always wait to receive an invitation".

The New York Times

For some pregnant women, depression does not always wait to be postpartum.

The New York Times - Health

You always waited to release your movie after the summer -- September, October or February.

The New York Times

They shouldn't be held responsible for the darkness that always waits to swallow up the unstable and the lost.

The New York Times

But you are never allowed to forget entirely the silence behind the revelry, nor the darkness that always waits to succeed the sun.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "always waiting to" to convey a sense of ongoing anticipation or expectation, especially when describing habitual behavior or a persistent state of mind. Be mindful of the context to ensure it accurately reflects the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid using "always waiting to" when a one-time event or a completed action is more appropriate. For example, instead of saying "She was always waiting to receive the award," consider "She had been waiting to receive the award" if the event has already occurred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "always waiting to" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as part of a verb phrase to describe a continuous or habitual action of anticipation. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in various contexts, such as "always waiting to see" or "always waiting to hear."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "always waiting to" is a common gerund phrase used to describe a continuous state of anticipation or expectation. As affirmed by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in news and media sources. While generally neutral in register, it’s crucial to consider the context to avoid misinterpretations, ensuring it accurately reflects the intended nuance. Alternatives such as "constantly anticipating" or "perpetually expecting" can be used to provide subtle variations in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

constantly anticipating

Emphasizes a continuous state of expectation.

perpetually expecting

Highlights the ongoing and habitual nature of the expectation.

ever anticipating

Focuses on the enduring and continuous aspect of the anticipation.

in a constant state of expectation

More descriptive and emphasizes the continuous nature of anticipation.

habitually anticipating

Highlights the habitual nature of the anticipation.

incessantly expecting

Emphasizes the continuous and often unwelcome nature of the expectation.

ceaselessly anticipating

Stresses the uninterrupted nature of the anticipation.

in perpetual anticipation

More formal and emphasizes the ongoing nature of the anticipation.

forever expecting

Focuses on the continuous nature of expectation with less emphasis on active waiting.

continually looking forward to

Highlights the positive aspect of anticipating something pleasant.

FAQs

How can I use "always waiting to" in a sentence?

You can use "always waiting to" to describe a continuous state of anticipation. For example, "He is "always waiting to" hear good news" or "They were "always waiting to" see what would happen next".

What are some alternatives to "always waiting to"?

Alternatives include "constantly anticipating", "perpetually expecting", or "ever anticipating", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "always waiting to" and "always expecting to"?

"Always waiting to" implies a more active state of anticipation, while "always expecting to" can suggest a more passive or even resigned expectation. The choice depends on the context and the intended emphasis.

When is it inappropriate to use "always waiting to"?

Avoid using "always waiting to" when referring to a one-time event that has already concluded. In such cases, a past perfect tense construction (e.g., "had been waiting") would be more appropriate.