be patient

USAGE SUMMARY

'be patient' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to urge someone to have patience, especially in situations where they are feeling frustrated, impatient, or overwhelmed. For example, "I know this project has been difficult, but please be patient - the hard work will be worth it in the end."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Learn to be patient.

Independent

We should be patient.

The New York Times

Be patient with him.

The New Yorker

"Be patient," he said.

The New Yorker

Otherwise, be patient.

The New York Times

And be patient.

The New York Times

"Be patient," he advises.

Forbes

"I must be patient.

BBC

But be patient.

Forbes

Be patient, Kao says.

Forbes

Be patient, be patient, be patient.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair "be patient" with an explanation. Giving reasons can help others understand why patience is needed, making them more receptive.

Common error

Avoid using "be patient" in a way that sounds condescending or implies the other person is being unreasonable. Instead, phrase it as shared experience.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "be patient" is as an imperative, used to give a command or instruction. Ludwig AI confirms the correctness and usability of this phrase. It is commonly used to encourage someone to wait calmly or to show restraint.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

42%

News & Media

34%

Science

24%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "be patient" is a grammatically correct and very commonly used imperative phrase that serves to encourage calmness and perseverance during times that require waiting. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in Wiki and News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral to informal tone, making it versatile for different contexts. When using "be patient", remember to consider your tone and potentially offer an explanation to support your request. Alternative phrases like "exercise patience" or "remain calm" can provide subtle variations in meaning and formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

exercise patience

This suggests actively demonstrating patience, rather than simply being patient.

have forbearance

This indicates showing tolerance and restraint in the face of difficulty.

remain calm

This focuses on maintaining composure while waiting.

keep your cool

This is an informal way of saying remain calm and composed.

hold your horses

This is an idiomatic expression advising someone to wait.

take your time

This suggests there is no need to rush, and to proceed at a comfortable pace.

wait a moment

This is a direct request to pause and wait briefly.

don't rush

This advises against hurrying or acting hastily.

bear with me

This asks for patience while someone is experiencing a delay or difficulty.

stay put

This advises to remain in the current location or state and wait.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "be patient" to sound more encouraging?

Instead of simply saying "be patient", try alternatives like "exercise patience", "remain calm", or "take your time", depending on the context. Adding a reason for the request also helps.

Is "be patient" suitable for formal communication?

While grammatically correct, "be patient" might sound too direct in formal settings. Consider using more formal alternatives such as "have forbearance" or phrasing your request as a question.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "be patient"?

Use "be patient" when encouraging someone to wait calmly for a desired outcome, especially when the waiting period is causing frustration or anxiety. It's suitable for both personal and professional contexts, but consider your tone.

What's the difference between "be patient" and "have patience"?

"Be patient" is an imperative, directly telling someone to have patience. "Have patience" can be either an imperative or a statement about possessing patience. The difference is very subtle and both are perfectly acceptable.