be kept waiting for a while

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "be kept waiting for a while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to a situation where someone has to wait for a certain period of time, often implying inconvenience or delay. Example: "I apologize for the delay; you may be kept waiting for a while due to unforeseen circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Those ships cannot be kept waiting for a berth.

The New Yorker

We are kept waiting for an inordinate time.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Mrs. Forshay said she once went to the emergency room with chest pains and was kept waiting for three hours while flu patients were seen ahead of her.

The New York Times

We're kept waiting for the Fury team while they finish their lunch in an unspecified location.

Vice

The Turks have been kept waiting for decades.

The Economist

Taxis were kept waiting for hours outside pubs.

The Guardian

But they were kept waiting for several hours.

The New York Times

Natural allies were kept waiting in the wings while dissenting voices were invited upon the stage.

Independent

They were kept waiting outside while the case was being called and the remand ordered.

The Times

The amount of time patients were kept waiting while a student sought assistance was also noted.

BMC Medical Education

Patients were kept waiting while sales representatives were whisked in.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be kept waiting for a while", consider the context. Is the wait unexpected? Is it causing inconvenience? Adjust your phrasing to reflect these nuances.

Common error

While "be kept waiting for a while" is grammatically sound, excessive use of passive voice can make your writing sound weak. Consider active alternatives if appropriate to make your writing more direct and engaging.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be kept waiting for a while" functions as a passive construction indicating that someone or something is causing a delay. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Less common in

Science

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News & Media

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Formal & Business

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be kept waiting for a while" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express that someone has experienced a delay caused by an external factor. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, although the phrase isn't overly common. Depending on the context, you may consider alternatives to improve the clarity and impact of your writing. While considered grammatically sound and the analysis suggests it's suitable for various contexts, including news and general communication, you should assess if it is appropriate for a formal setting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Be delayed longer than anticipated

Focuses on the delay and expectation.

Be made to wait longer than expected

Highlights the unexpected length of the wait.

Be subject to a long wait

Focuses on the lack of control over the waiting time.

Face a prolonged wait

Highlights the length of the waiting period.

Experience a significant delay

Emphasizes the delay itself, not necessarily the act of being made to wait.

Endure a lengthy delay

Similar to facing a prolonged wait, but carries a slightly more negative connotation of suffering through the wait.

Find oneself waiting an extended period

More descriptive, emphasizing the situation of waiting.

Have to hold on for a considerable time

Informal way of saying you have to wait.

Suffer undue delays

Highlights the unfairness of the delay.

Linger in anticipation for quite some time

Suggests a more passive and perhaps even enjoyable waiting experience.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be kept waiting for a while" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases such as "experience a significant delay" or "be subject to a long wait" to convey a similar meaning without sounding too casual.

What is the difference between "be delayed" and "be kept waiting for a while"?

"Be delayed" generally refers to any kind of postponement, whereas "be kept waiting for a while" implies that someone or something is actively causing the delay.

Is it ever better to use the active voice instead of "be kept waiting for a while"?

Yes, using the active voice can often make your sentence more direct and impactful. For example, instead of "The customers were kept waiting for a while", you could say "The staff made the customers wait for a while".

What are some less formal alternatives to "be kept waiting for a while"?

Less formal alternatives include "have to "hold on" for a bit", "wait longer than expected", or "hang around for a considerable time", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.