calmly waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "calmly waiting" is correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase whenever you are describing somebody who is patient and composed while they wait for something. For example, "The elderly woman sat calmly waiting for her bus to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

There must be more Brians out there, I imagine, calmly waiting their turn.

The New Yorker

Nor does it seem good enough, in this case, to sit calmly waiting for an inquiry.

Independent

"Guy looks like a serial killer, just calmly waiting in line to use the can".

The New Yorker

Clips from the film project show that he was arrested far from the melee while calmly waiting to give a speech.

The New York Times

A second wave, calmly waiting for the police to help them off the train with ladders, joined them later at the one pay telephone at the depot.

The New York Times

A neighbor said people gathered in the streets to share the news but were now "calmly waiting for what is going to happen next".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

41 human-written examples

It is as though she had gently lain down and calmly waited for the cut.

The New Yorker

While most children went to the plate to swing away, Johnson calmly waited for his pitch.

The New York Times - Sports

Doron Lamb, a sophomore, calmly waited for his teammates to pass him the ball for open shot after open shot.

The New Yorker

So, she stopped in the middle of the song and just calmly waited for them to be quiet.

The New York Times - Magazine

Mr. Sweeney, who calmly waited for the police to arrive, pleaded not responsible for the murder by reason of insanity.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "calmly waiting" to depict a character or situation where composure and patience are key, enhancing the sense of control and preparedness.

Common error

Avoid using "calmly waiting" in contexts where the situation inherently demands urgency or action. It can create a jarring contrast and undermine the intended tone if the scene suggests heightened tension.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "calmly waiting" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. The adverb "calmly" describes the manner in which the action of "waiting" is performed, indicating a state of composure and lack of agitation. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically sound and common in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Formal & Business

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "calmly waiting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase in the English language. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe a state of peaceful anticipation. While suitable for a variety of contexts, it appears most frequently in news and media sources. For situations requiring a different nuance, alternatives such as "patiently awaiting" or "quietly anticipating" may be considered. When using the expression, writers should take care to ensure that the depiction of calm anticipation aligns with the broader context and tone of the writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patiently awaiting

Emphasizes the patience involved while waiting.

serenely expecting

Highlights the peaceful and untroubled nature of the expectation.

quietly anticipating

Focuses on the subdued and understated manner of anticipation.

composedly awaiting

Stresses the maintained composure during the wait.

tranquilly looking forward to

Emphasizes the peaceful and calm state while anticipating something positive.

placidly standing by

Suggests a calm and undisturbed presence while waiting.

imperturbably holding on

Highlights the resistance to disturbance or agitation while waiting.

collectedly biding time

Focuses on using the waiting period purposefully while maintaining composure.

restfully pausing

Emphasizes the relaxed and unhurried nature of the wait.

steadfastly remaining

Highlights the unwavering presence and patience during the wait.

FAQs

How can I use "calmly waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "calmly waiting" to describe someone or something in a state of patient anticipation, like: "The cat was "calmly waiting" by the mouse hole."

What are some alternatives to "calmly waiting"?

Alternatives include "patiently awaiting", "quietly anticipating", or "serenely expecting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "calmly waiting" in formal writing?

Yes, "calmly waiting" is suitable for formal writing as it is grammatically correct and widely understood. However, consider the context and whether a more precise synonym might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "calmly waiting" and "anxiously waiting"?

"Calmly waiting" implies a state of peace and composure while anticipating something, whereas "anxiously waiting" suggests a state of worry and unease during the anticipation. They convey opposite emotional states.