content to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "content to wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express a feeling of being satisfied or willing to wait without frustration. Example: "Despite the long delay, I was content to wait for my turn to speak."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The Wait A Large Employer Proves Persuasive General Electric has certainly not been content to wait.

The New York Times

If only people were content to wait.

The New York Times - Magazine

Aboard Visionaire, Jose Lezcano was content to wait.

The New York Times - Sports

But he was content to wait this time.

The New York Times - Sports

But many seem content to wait and see.

The Guardian - Tech

Not every school has been content to wait.

The New York Times - Science

Other developers are content to wait even longer.

The New York Times

And so, for the moment, they are content to wait.

The New York Times - Sports

The Vikings seemed content to wait for Pennington to make a mistake.

The New York Times - Sports

But the rest of us are perfectly content to wait for the arithmetical truth.

The New York Times

We climb unhurriedly, content to wait for the forecasted "cloud free Munros" to materialise.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "content to wait" when you want to express a sense of satisfaction or acceptance regarding a delay or period of waiting. It implies a positive or neutral attitude towards the situation.

Common error

Avoid using "content to wait" if the context demands urgency or proactive measures. It's inappropriate when a passive approach is detrimental or when action is required to prevent negative outcomes.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "content to wait" functions as an adjective phrase modifying a subject, followed by an infinitive verb to express a state of mind or willingness. This construction describes a subject's satisfaction or acceptance of a delay, as supported by Ludwig AI and many real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

3%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "content to wait" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe a state of satisfaction or willingness to delay action. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English. As demonstrated through numerous examples from reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase frequently appears in news and media contexts, indicating a neutral register. While "content to wait" implies a positive or neutral attitude towards waiting, it's essential to avoid using it in situations demanding immediate action or proactive measures. Alternatives like "willing to wait" or "happy to wait" can be used to convey subtle differences in meaning. Ultimately, "content to wait" is a versatile phrase for expressing patience and acceptance in various scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

willing to wait

Focuses on the willingness aspect, without necessarily implying satisfaction.

happy to wait

Emphasizes the positive feeling associated with waiting.

prepared to wait

Highlights readiness and anticipation for a future event.

patiently waiting

Focuses on the act of waiting with patience.

biding one's time

Suggests waiting strategically for an opportune moment.

prepared to bide time

Indicates a readiness to wait for a suitable opportunity.

in no hurry

Implies a lack of urgency and a willingness to wait.

taking a wait-and-see approach

Describes a strategy of observing before acting.

willing to hold off

Expresses a willingness to postpone action.

can afford to wait

Suggests having the resources or circumstances to wait without negative consequences.

FAQs

How can I use "content to wait" in a sentence?

You can use "content to wait" to describe someone's willingness to delay action because they are satisfied with the current situation or confident in a future outcome. For example, "The investor was "content to wait" for the market to improve before selling his stocks."

What are some alternatives to "content to wait"?

Alternatives to "content to wait" include "willing to wait", "happy to wait", or "prepared to wait". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "content to waiting"?

No, "content to waiting" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "content to wait", using the infinitive form of the verb.

What's the difference between "content to wait" and "eager to wait"?

"Content to wait" implies satisfaction with waiting, while "eager to wait" is contradictory. The word "eager" indicates impatience, so it doesn't fit with waiting. One might be "eager to act", but not to wait.