expectantly waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectantly waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a state of anticipation or eagerness while waiting for something to happen. Example: "The children were expectantly waiting for the arrival of the ice cream truck, their eyes wide with excitement."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

The local cats sit expectantly, waiting for scraps and attention.

The Guardian

They looked to him expectantly, waiting for advice on what obscure, limited-edition vinyl gem they should try next.

The Washington Post

After the full length trailer leaked out of Comic Con a number of weeks ago and Reynolds teased that it would hit the internet very soon, fans have been expectantly waiting.

Independent

"Mainly, what we do is go into the studio and then do this — just hang out," said Yung Lean, looking back at Yung Gud expectantly, waiting for him to continue.

The New Yorker

And while some remember and miss them in their prime, others rub their hands impatiently and expectantly, waiting for them to go … Oh, hang on, they're poor now, how does that work with the vultures?

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The rooms reminds me of those dreams where you suddenly find yourself on stage in a play, with all the actors looking at you expectantly, waiting for you to speak lines you haven't learned.

The Guardian - Arts

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

And as we expectantly wait for deliverance, we also celebrate God remaining present with us through every facet of the human experience.

HuffPost

His bus pulled into the station in silence, with the passengers waiting expectantly but in vain.

The New Yorker

Our smartphones are always with us, waiting expectantly in our pockets or purses.

The New Yorker

Eleanor is waiting expectantly for him, and thinking how pretty she is.

The New Yorker

Four years ago Tom Daley stood on the 10m board here with the country waiting expectantly.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expectantly waiting" to convey a sense of anticipation combined with patience. It works well when the subject is aware of an impending event or arrival.

Common error

While "expectantly waiting" is grammatically correct, avoid using it excessively in formal writing. Opt for more sophisticated synonyms like "eagerly anticipating" to maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "expectantly waiting" functions as an adverbial modifier followed by a verb, describing the manner in which someone is waiting. It adds detail and color to the action of waiting, as shown in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

3%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "expectantly waiting" is a grammatically correct and commonly used expression to describe the act of waiting with anticipation and eagerness. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's widely found in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's best to reserve it for neutral to slightly formal contexts, considering synonyms like "eagerly awaiting" for more sophisticated prose. Overall, understanding its nuances helps to improve the quality and clarity of one's writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting in eager anticipation

Highlights both the waiting and the feeling of anticipation.

eagerly awaiting

Emphasizes enthusiasm and eagerness in anticipation.

waiting with heightened expectations

Focuses on the high level of expectations during the waiting period.

keenly expecting

Stresses the intensity of the expectation.

anticipating with excitement

Explicitly mentions the feeling of excitement while waiting.

anxiously anticipating

Highlights a sense of worry or nervousness while waiting.

awaiting with anticipation

Uses a more formal tone to express anticipation.

hopefully waiting

Implies a sense of hope that the awaited event will occur.

looking forward to

Expresses positive expectation and excitement.

with bated breath

Suggests holding one's breath due to excitement or anxiety while waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "expectantly waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "expectantly waiting" to describe someone or something that is eagerly anticipating an event. For instance, "The children were "waiting expectantly" for the school bus to arrive".

What are some alternatives to "expectantly waiting"?

Alternatives include "eagerly awaiting", "anxiously anticipating", or "keenly expecting", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "waiting expectantly" instead of "expectantly waiting"?

Yes, "waiting expectantly" is also correct and conveys the same meaning as "expectantly waiting". The choice often depends on the rhythm and flow of your sentence. Example: "The crowd was "waiting expectantly"".

What's the difference between "expectantly waiting" and "patiently waiting"?

"Expectantly waiting" implies anticipation and eagerness, while "patiently waiting" suggests calmly enduring a delay without complaint. They describe different attitudes while waiting.