could be waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "could be waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a possibility or uncertainty about someone or something being in a state of waiting. Example: "The package could be waiting for you at the post office if you missed the delivery."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

She knew she could be waiting awhile.

The New York Times

You could be waiting a while Amy.

The Guardian - Sport

But business could be waiting a while for results.

The Economist

But she worried that Satan's workers could be waiting for her.

The New Yorker

If Querrey wins, No18 seed Tommy Robredo could be waiting for him.

The Guardian - Sport

"It looked as if a princess could be waiting inside to be kissed back to life.

The New York Times

They could be waiting a while to get the nod from Mr. Gorman.

The New York Times

Monzo could be waiting months for regulatory approval from the City's Prudential Regulation Authority.

The Guardian - Business

"If you're waiting for a guaranteed result, you could be waiting a long time.

The Guardian

If the government were in charge, you could be waiting for a month or more".

The Guardian

The unperturbed air seems to take something out of him: he could be waiting to die.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "could be waiting" to express uncertainty about a future state. This construction effectively conveys the possibility of delay or anticipation, without stating it as a certainty.

Common error

Avoid excessive use of passive voice constructions with "could be waiting". While grammatically correct, too much passivity can weaken your writing. Opt for active constructions where appropriate to enhance clarity and directness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "could be waiting" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty regarding an ongoing action. As exemplified by Ludwig, it suggests a state that may exist in the present or future.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "could be waiting" functions as a versatile modal verb phrase expressing possibility or uncertainty about a state of anticipation or delay. Grammatically correct and very common, as confirmed by Ludwig, it's particularly prevalent in news and media contexts. To enhance clarity, avoid overuse of the passive voice, and consider alternatives like "might be expecting" to fine-tune the specific shade of meaning. Understanding these nuances ensures effective communication and elevates the quality of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

could await

Implies a more formal or destined waiting.

could be delayed

Shifts focus onto the action that's being waited on.

might be expecting

Emphasizes anticipation more strongly than potential delay.

may be pending

Highlights the unresolved status, rather than the act of waiting.

may be anticipating

Highlights proactive expectation rather than passive waiting.

might be held up

Focuses on the reason for the delay, rather than the waiting itself.

might be in store

Focuses on what the future possibly holds, rather than a person's action.

might be forthcoming

Suggests the eventual arrival of something, not the action of people waiting.

may be upcoming

Highlights imminence instead of the act of waiting itself.

might anticipate

Suggests a forecast of events, moving away from active waiting.

FAQs

How to use "could be waiting" in a sentence?

The phrase "could be waiting" indicates a possibility. For example, "The package "could be waiting" at the reception desk" suggests the package might be there, but you aren't sure.

What can I say instead of "could be waiting"?

You can use alternatives like "might be expecting", "may be anticipating", or "could await" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "could be waiting" or "could have waited"?

The phrase "could be waiting" refers to a present or future possibility, while "could have waited" refers to a past possibility that did not occur. The correct choice depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "could be waiting" and "is waiting"?

"Could be waiting" expresses uncertainty or possibility. "Is waiting" indicates a definite, ongoing action. For example, "He "is waiting" for the bus" confirms he's currently in the process of waiting, while "he "could be waiting"" suggests it's a possibility but not confirmed.