awaiting instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "awaiting instruction" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you are waiting for guidance or direction from someone. Example: "The team is currently awaiting instruction from the project manager before proceeding with the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Lifestyle

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

Black-coated porters linger in the spacious hallways, awaiting instruction.

Independent

There is no inhibition, and no awaiting instruction.

The Guardian - Music

With the dutifulness of a long-term prisoner, he stands awaiting instruction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The ninjas — actresses attired head to toe in black— wandered around awaiting instruction.

The New York Times

The characters -- mostly attractive female students -- are flat caricatures of North American ignorance and innocence, awaiting instruction, sexual and otherwise.

The New York Times - Books

The many hundreds of books in his Upper East Side apartment stand at attention, as if awaiting instruction from this slight man in a baseball cap and sunglasses who, for a half-century, has coached others on how to write.

The New York Times - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Everyone is sitting tight and awaiting instructions from the top".

The New York Times

The covers lay across the pitch, with ground staff lolling around, awaiting instructions.

The Guardian - Sport

They are now back in their home countries, or elsewhere, awaiting instructions.

The New York Times

The police in Dagestan, a Russian republic, are awaiting instructions from Moscow on the matter.

The New York Times

The digger's driver had fallen asleep in his cab while awaiting instructions.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "awaiting instruction" to clearly indicate a state of expectation and readiness for specific directions. This is particularly useful in professional, technical, or formal contexts where clarity is essential.

Common error

Avoid using "awaiting instruction" in very informal or casual contexts. It can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for simpler alternatives like "waiting to be told" or "waiting to find out" in everyday conversation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "awaiting instruction" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of expectancy or readiness to receive directives. According to Ludwig, it is deemed grammatically sound and suitable for use in written English. The examples display its use in various contexts, such as the workplace or academic settings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Lifestyle

20%

Books

20%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "awaiting instruction" is a grammatically sound and professionally suitable expression used to convey a state of expectancy for guidance. As confirmed by Ludwig, it's more common in neutral and professional contexts, such as news and media or the workplace, rather than informal settings. While "awaiting instruction" is deemed accurate and usable, remember to consider simpler alternatives for casual conversations. Understanding its purpose and register will ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting direction

Focuses on the general sense of direction rather than specific instructions.

awaiting guidance

Emphasizes the need for supportive advice or counseling.

awaiting orders

Implies a more formal or hierarchical command structure.

standing by for instructions

Highlights the readiness and immediate availability to receive directions.

awaiting commands

Suggests a strong, direct form of control and obedience.

pending direction

Indicates that guidance is expected but not yet received.

pending guidance

Indicates that guidance is expected but not yet received.

awaiting briefing

Specifically refers to waiting for a detailed explanation or set of instructions.

awaiting notification

Highlights the expectation of being informed about what to do next.

awaiting signal

Implies that they are expecting a specific sign or cue.

FAQs

How can I use "awaiting instruction" in a sentence?

You can use "awaiting instruction" to indicate that someone or something is in a state of readiness, expecting to receive guidance or directions before proceeding. For example: "The team is currently awaiting instruction from the project lead."

What's the difference between "awaiting instruction" and "awaiting instructions"?

While both phrases are similar, "awaiting instruction" typically refers to a general state of waiting for any kind of direction, whereas "awaiting instructions" implies waiting for a specific set of detailed orders or commands.

Is "awaiting instruction" formal or informal?

"Awaiting instruction" is generally considered a formal phrase. In informal contexts, you might prefer simpler alternatives such as "waiting for directions" or "waiting to be told what to do".

What can I say instead of "awaiting instruction"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "awaiting guidance", "awaiting direction", or "standing by for instructions".