continue to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "continue to wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to keep waiting for something or someone. Example: "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ask that you continue to wait until further notice."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Families continue to wait.

The New York Times

We're going to continue to wait".

The New York Times - Sports

"I will continue to wait," Ancelotti tells The Independent.

Independent

In the meantime, Democrats will have to continue to wait.

The New York Times

The parents continue to wait for such explanations.

The Guardian - Sport

People continue to wait to return to their hometowns.

The New York Times

According to China's Ministry of Health, some 1.5 million people continue to wait for transplants.

The New Yorker

A final note: No doubt to Airgas's delight, we continue to wait for the Airgas opinion.

The New York Times

Even Mr. Carr has wondered at times how long they should continue to wait.

The New York Times

"We're still waiting for Godot, and shall continue to wait," the reviewer said.

The New York Times

Meanwhile people continue to wait, with fear in their hearts, for that final push.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "continue to wait" when you want to emphasize the ongoing nature of the waiting period. It suggests that the waiting has already begun and will persist.

Common error

Avoid using "continue to wait" when a simple "wait" is sufficient. Overusing it can make your writing sound repetitive and less impactful. In short sentences and direct instructions, "wait" is usually the better option.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "continue to wait" functions primarily as a verb phrase. It indicates an ongoing action or state of anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English and provides examples of its usage across different contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "continue to wait" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to express the ongoing nature of waiting. Ludwig AI confirms its validity, with multiple real-world examples showcasing its usage primarily in News & Media. While simple alternatives like "wait" might suffice in some contexts, "continue to wait" is particularly effective when emphasizing that the waiting has already begun and will persist. When writing, consider the audience and the level of formality required, but be mindful of overuse, as conciseness is often preferable. Alternatives such as "keep waiting" or "remain waiting" can add variety to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

keep waiting

More direct and slightly less formal.

remain waiting

Slightly more formal and emphasizes a state of being.

await further instruction

Implies a structured situation where guidance is expected.

stand by

Suggests readiness and preparedness while waiting.

hold on

More conversational and less formal.

wait it out

Suggests enduring a period of waiting until something concludes.

bide your time

Implies waiting strategically for a favorable opportunity.

pause

Indicates a temporary cessation of activity, implying a wait.

linger

Implies a leisurely or reluctant waiting.

tarry

A more archaic and formal way of saying wait or delay.

FAQs

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

You can use "continue to wait" when you want to express the ongoing nature of waiting for something. For example, "Due to unforeseen circumstances, we ask that you "continue to wait" until further notice."

What can I say instead of "continue to wait"?

You can use alternatives like "keep waiting", "remain waiting", or "await further instruction" depending on the context.

Is it better to say "continue waiting" or "continue to wait"?

Both "continue waiting" and ""continue to wait"" are grammatically correct, but "continue waiting" is generally more common and concise. The choice depends on personal preference and the desired emphasis.

What's the difference between "wait" and "continue to wait"?

"Wait" simply means to delay action until a later time. "Continue to wait" implies that the waiting has already started and needs to persist. It emphasizes the ongoing nature of the waiting period.