having to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

"having to wait" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to express the idea that something must take place before you can do something else. For example: "After having to wait a few weeks, I was finally able to get my driver's license."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

The media too are having to wait.

The Economist

It was ridiculous having to wait for it.

Independent

The alternative is having to wait until the fourth round".

The New York Times

"People are having to wait longer and longer in detention".

The Guardian

His colleagues complain about having to wait for his leftovers.

The New York Times

Student are able to take the course when desired, not having to wait.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

So having to wait another couple of weeks would not, I think, have created many problems.

The New Yorker

The returns to investment must be set against the disadvantage of having to wait.

The Economist

"Having to wait until age twenty-five or thirty to have sex is unreasonable," Regnerus writes.

The New Yorker

"It gives people another creative way of moving on without having to wait," Rosenfarb said.

MIT Technology Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Being rewarded for having to wait to be an England regular.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "having to wait", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being waited for. Be specific to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "having to waited". The correct form is "having to wait", as "wait" should be in its base form after "to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "having to wait" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It typically serves as the subject or object of a sentence, describing the experience or necessity of delaying something. Ludwig examples showcase its usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

35%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "having to wait" is a grammatically sound and very common gerund phrase used to describe the experience or necessity of delaying something. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is perfectly acceptable in written English. It frequently appears in news, scientific, and academic contexts. While it maintains a generally neutral register, it often carries an implication of frustration or inconvenience. When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly indicates what is being waited for. Remember, the correct form is "having to wait", not "having to waited". As evidenced by numerous Ludwig examples, "having to wait" remains a versatile and relevant phrase across various forms of communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being obliged to wait

Emphasizes the obligation or necessity of waiting.

being required to delay

Highlights the requirement to postpone something.

facing a waiting period

Emphasizes the existence of a specified time to wait.

needing to hold off

Focuses on postponing or delaying an action.

encountering a delay

Focuses on the experience of encountering a delay.

being compelled to defer

Emphasizes the forced nature of the delay.

being subject to delay

Highlights the state of being affected by a delay.

being on hold

Suggests a temporary suspension or pause.

being made to tarry

Uses a more formal word for waiting, suggesting a longer delay.

needing to bide one's time

Focuses on waiting patiently for an opportunity.

FAQs

How can I use "having to wait" in a sentence?

You can use "having to wait" to describe a situation where someone is required to delay an action or experience something later than desired. For instance, "After having to wait for three months, I finally received my passport".

What are some alternatives to "having to wait"?

Alternatives include "being obliged to wait", "being required to delay", or "facing a waiting period", depending on the specific context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "having to waited" instead of "having to wait"?

No, "having to waited" is grammatically incorrect. The correct form is "having to wait". The infinitive form of the verb (wait) should be used after "to".

What's the difference between "having to wait" and "needing to wait"?

While both phrases express the necessity of waiting, "having to wait" often implies an external obligation or circumstance causing the delay, whereas "needing to wait" can suggest a more general requirement or internal desire to delay.