couldn't wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"couldn't wait" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to express eagerness to do something or impatience for something to start. For example: "I couldn't wait for the weekend to come so I could have some fun."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I couldn't wait.

The New York Times

Sharen couldn't wait.

The Guardian

He couldn't wait.

The New York Times

"They couldn't wait around".

The New York Times - Sports

But he couldn't wait.

The New Yorker

Apparently they couldn't wait.

The New Yorker

We couldn't wait.

The Guardian

She couldn't wait anymore.

The Washington Post

I couldn't wait to begin.

Stanford University

The priest couldn't wait.

The New York Times

"Couldn't wait to die.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "couldn't wait" to effectively convey a sense of eagerness and anticipation in your writing. It adds a personal touch and makes the narrative more engaging.

Common error

While "couldn't wait" is widely acceptable, consider using more formal alternatives like "was eager to" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "couldn't wait" functions as a verbal phrase expressing anticipation or eagerness. It describes a state of impatience or excitement leading up to an event or action, as illustrated by Ludwig examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Academia

10%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "couldn't wait" is a versatile and commonly used expression to convey anticipation and eagerness. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread acceptance. While predominantly found in news and media contexts, it also appears in academic writing, albeit less frequently. For formal settings, alternatives like "was eager to" might be more suitable. Remember to use "couldn't wait" to add a personal touch and engage your reader by expressing your strong desire for something to occur.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was eager to

Expresses enthusiasm and anticipation, similar to "couldn't wait" but with a slightly more formal tone.

eagerly awaited

Focuses on the act of waiting with eagerness and anticipation for something to happen.

was impatient to

Focuses on the feeling of restlessness and wanting something to happen sooner, emphasizing the lack of patience.

was itching to

Suggests a strong, almost uncontrollable urge to do something, emphasizing the physical feeling of wanting to act.

was anxious to

Highlights the concern and eagerness combined, suitable when anticipation is mixed with a bit of worry or stress.

was dying to

Hyperbolic expression indicating a very strong desire or excitement, often used informally.

was bursting to

Similar to 'dying to', but conveys a sense of being full of excitement and eager to release it.

longed to

Implies a deep, heartfelt desire, often for something that is currently unattainable or delayed.

yearned to

Similar to 'longed to', but with a stronger sense of emotional longing and often used in more sentimental contexts.

anticipated with pleasure

Highlights the positive expectation and enjoyment associated with the upcoming event or activity.

FAQs

How can I use "couldn't wait" in a sentence?

You can use "couldn't wait" to express strong anticipation. For example, "I "couldn't wait" to see the movie" or "She "couldn't wait" for the vacation to start".

What are some alternatives to saying "couldn't wait"?

You can use alternatives like "was eager to", "was impatient to", or "was anxious to", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "couldn't wait" grammatically correct?

Yes, "couldn't wait" is grammatically correct and commonly used to express eagerness or impatience. It is widely accepted in both spoken and written English.

When is it appropriate to use "couldn't wait"?

"Couldn't wait" is appropriate in most informal and neutral contexts. In more formal writing, consider using alternatives such as "was eager to" or "anticipated with pleasure" to maintain a professional tone.