first waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "first waiting" is not correct and does not convey a clear meaning in written English.
It may be intended to describe an initial period of waiting, but it lacks clarity and proper context. Example: "After first waiting for the bus, I decided to call a taxi."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

That's what was used 25 years ago when urologists' waiting rooms were filled with patients riddled with bone metastasis, often first waiting to be diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The New York Times

Many doctors recommend applying a moisturizer over Retin-A (especially the generic versions) to help soothe skin, but suggest first waiting at least 20 minutes for the product to be absorbed.

The New York Times

Those scenes are interwoven with Ms. Torres's new life as a 9/11 widow, first waiting to learn of Eddie's fate and then having to cope with the bureaucracies offering aid earmarked for the victims' families.

The New York Times - Books

He is, first, waiting for somebody to get hurt.

Los Angeles Times

The full cost and impact of the bill remain unclear because GOP leaders called the vote without first waiting for a new analysis from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office.

Los Angeles Times

Asked by "Meet The Press" host Chuck Todd whether he would back Clinton, de Blasio said that he was first waiting to see what kind of agenda the former secretary of state would offer.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

If you take an NSAID first, wait eight hours before taking aspirin.

Harvard University

If you don't like a track at first, wait three minutes and notice your reaction.

The New York Times - Arts

"I got away first, waited by the pole for some time," Nishan wrote.

The New Yorker

An eligible sensor first waits a random delay.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

When a body sensor wishes to transfer data, it first waits for the FBP.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Rephrase "first waiting" with more precise language, such as "initial waiting period" or "the initial wait" to improve clarity. This ensures your intended meaning is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "first waiting" when you actually mean the "initial waiting period". Use more specific phrasing to avoid ambiguity and improve readability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "first waiting" functions as a modifier describing the type or stage of waiting. However, Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is not correct and lacks clarity. As such, it's best to use alternative and clearer phrasings.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

30%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "first waiting" is identified by Ludwig AI as not entirely correct due to its ambiguity. While it appears in a variety of sources, including news articles, scientific publications, and wikis, its usage is infrequent and can often be improved by using more precise alternatives. Consider rephrasing as "initial waiting period" or "the initial wait" to enhance clarity and ensure your message is easily understood. Though the phrase's intent is to describe an initial period of waiting, opting for clearer language will strengthen your writing and avoid potential misinterpretations.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the initial wait

A more concise and grammatically correct way to refer to the beginning of a waiting period.

initial waiting period

Replaces "first waiting" with a more specific term that describes a defined duration of waiting at the beginning of a process.

first instance of waiting

Specifies that it's the very first occurrence where someone is in a state of waiting.

early phase of waiting

Highlights the initial part of a more extended waiting period, specifically.

waiting at the beginning

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, indicating that the waiting occurs at the start.

starting to wait

Describes the act of beginning to wait.

the first stage of waiting

Highlights that waiting is part of a multi-stage process, and this refers to the initial stage.

first time waiting

Focuses on the experience of waiting for the first time, implying novelty.

the waiting beforehand

Indicates waiting that happens before a specific event or activity.

commencement of waiting

Formal and emphasizes the starting point of the waiting time.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "first waiting" for clarity?

Consider using phrases like "initial waiting period", "the initial wait", or "the first phase of waiting" to be more specific and avoid ambiguity.

What's wrong with using the phrase "first waiting"?

While not strictly ungrammatical, "first waiting" is ambiguous and can be unclear. It lacks the precision of phrases like "initial waiting period", which clearly indicates a specific duration at the beginning of a process.

Is there a context where "first waiting" is acceptable?

Although some sources use "first waiting", it's generally better to use a more explicit phrase like "the initial wait" or "the first waiting period" to enhance clarity and avoid potential misinterpretations.

What are some alternatives to describe the beginning of a waiting period?

Alternatives include "initial waiting time", "the beginning of the wait", or "waiting initially depending on the specific context.