don't wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"don't wait" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it as an imperative, for example "Don't wait - take action now!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Don't wait.

Harvard University

Don't wait for permission.

Stanford University

Don't wait up.

The New Yorker

We don't wait long.

Independent

But don't wait long.

The New York Times - Travel

"Don't wait for me.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

We do not wait long.

The New York Times - Magazine

Some swimmers do not wait.

The New York Times - Sports

"Do not wait any longer.

The New York Times

Do not wait for an official warning".

The New York Times

Do not wait until graduation.

Science Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "don't wait", ensure the context clearly indicates what action should be taken promptly. Be specific to maximize impact.

Common error

Avoid using "don't wait" in passive voice constructions where the actor is unclear. Instead, specify who should be acting without delay for better clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "don't wait" functions primarily as an imperative, directly instructing or urging someone to act without delay. Ludwig provides numerous examples of this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Science

8%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "don't wait" is a versatile and commonly used imperative phrase that urges immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread application across various contexts, especially in news, media, and instructional content. When using "don't wait", ensure the context clearly specifies the action to be taken and avoid overuse in passive constructions. Alternatives like "act now" or "begin immediately" can provide variety, but the directness of "don't wait" makes it a powerful call to action.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

don't delay

Similar in meaning, but places a stronger emphasis on avoiding postponement.

act now

Emphasizes immediate action with a more concise and direct command.

take action immediately

Stresses the importance of taking prompt action without hesitation.

do it now

Simple and direct command urging immediate execution of a task.

begin immediately

Focuses on starting something without any delay.

start right away

Suggests commencing something without any postponement.

there's no time to lose

Highlights the urgency of a situation where delay is not an option.

time is of the essence

Emphasizes the critical importance of acting quickly due to limited time.

seize the moment

Encourages taking advantage of an opportunity without delay.

strike while the iron is hot

Advises acting promptly when an opportunity is most favorable.

FAQs

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

You can use "don't wait" to urge someone to take immediate action. For example, "Don't wait, apply now!" or "Don't wait for the perfect moment, create it."

What are some alternatives to "don't wait"?

Alternatives include "act now", "take action immediately", or "begin immediately", depending on the specific context.

Is it better to say "do not wait" or "don't wait"?

"Don't wait" is a contraction and is generally more conversational and informal. "Do not wait" is more formal and can be used for emphasis. Both are grammatically correct.

What does "don't wait for opportunities" mean?

It means that you should actively seek out or create opportunities rather than passively waiting for them to arise. Be proactive and take initiative.