but wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"but wait" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to express a demand to pause or delay, or to indicate that there may be another view on the matter, or that additional information is coming. For example, "I know you think the new policy is a bad idea, but wait until you hear what the other staff members think."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

But wait.

The New York Times

But wait a moment.

Forbes

But wait a while.

The Economist

But wait a minute.

The New York Times - Books

But wait, there's more!

The New York Times

"But wait!" he said.

The New Yorker

But wait: no key!

The New Yorker

But wait he would.

The New York Times

But wait: not true.

The New York Times - Food

But wait, what's this?

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Fast forward but wait.

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "but wait" to create anticipation or introduce a surprising twist in your writing. It can effectively capture the reader's attention.

Common error

Avoid using "but wait" excessively, as it can become predictable and lose its impact. Use it sparingly to highlight key moments of surprise or redirection.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "but wait" is as an interjection or discourse marker. It signals a pause, interruption, or a shift in the direction of the conversation or narrative. Ludwig provides numerous examples showing its use in introducing unexpected information.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "but wait" functions as an interjection or discourse marker, signaling a pause or shift in narrative direction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used, particularly in news and media contexts. The phrase serves to create suspense or introduce a contrasting point. While versatile, it's best suited for neutral to informal registers, as confirmed by the source analysis. To enhance your writing, use "but wait" sparingly to maximize its impact and avoid overuse.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait a minute

Implies a need to reconsider or clarify something quickly.

hold on

Suggests a pause to consider something important.

however

Expresses contrast or contradiction more formally.

on the other hand

Introduces an alternative perspective or counterargument.

yet

Highlights a contrast or unexpected element.

nevertheless

Indicates a contrast despite a previous statement.

even so

Acknowledges a previous point but introduces a contrasting factor.

that being said

Transitions to a contrasting or qualifying statement.

all the same

Introduces a point that holds true despite what was previously mentioned.

still

Indicates that something remains true despite a previous statement or situation.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "but wait" in a sentence?

Use "but wait" to introduce a surprising twist, a contrasting point, or additional information that changes the context. For example, "I thought I was finished with the project, but wait, there's one more task."

What phrases are similar to "but wait"?

You can use alternatives like "hold on", "wait a minute", or "however" to introduce a pause or change of direction in your narrative.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "but wait"?

Yes, it is grammatically acceptable to start a sentence with "but wait", especially in informal or conversational writing. It's often used to create emphasis or a sense of anticipation.

When should I avoid using "but wait"?

Avoid using "but wait" in formal or academic writing where a more sophisticated transition or contrasting phrase might be more appropriate. Consider using alternatives like "nevertheless" or "on the other hand" in such contexts.