he waits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he waits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is in a state of waiting or is currently waiting for something or someone. Example: "In the quiet of the room, he waits for the phone to ring, hoping for good news."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Then he waits.

The New York Times - Sports

He waits, but nothing happens.

The New Yorker

He waits too long.

The New York Times

Calmly, he waits for the end.

The New Yorker

He waits to catch someone unready.

The New Yorker

He waits until a live televised debate.

The Economist

"He waits for others to make mistakes.

The Economist

He waits, and crosses the station entrance.

The New Yorker

While he waits, Clemens campaigns.

The New York Times - Sports

He waits, outside, hearing "piteous, animal moans".

The Guardian - Books

Then, when all is set, he waits.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when using "he waits"; it can convey patience, expectation, or even a sense of dread, depending on what he is waiting for.

Common error

Avoid using "he waits" interchangeably with phrases like "he is waiting" without considering the subtle differences in emphasis. "He waits" can sometimes imply a more deliberate or habitual act of waiting.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he waits" primarily functions as a simple declarative clause, where "he" is the subject and "waits" is the verb expressing the action. Ludwig provides examples across various contexts where this structure is used to convey anticipation, expectation, or strategic delay.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he waits" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed expression used to depict a state of anticipation or strategic delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, its versatility allows it to seamlessly integrate into a variety of contexts, ranging from news reports to literary narratives. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for both formal and informal communication, emphasizing its widespread applicability in the English language. To enrich your writing, explore synonyms and alternatives provided to precisely convey the intended nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he is waiting

This alternative is a continuous form of the original phrase, emphasizing the ongoing nature of the waiting.

he bides his time

This alternative uses a more idiomatic expression to convey the sense of waiting for an opportune moment.

he is anticipating

This highlights the expectant aspect of waiting, implying a degree of foreknowledge or planning.

he is expecting

Similar to 'anticipating', this suggests a firm belief that something will happen and the act of waiting for it.

he is patient

This focuses on the quality of patience while waiting, rather than the act itself.

he lingers

This suggests a prolonged or reluctant waiting, often implying a degree of hesitation or attachment.

he pauses

This emphasizes a brief cessation before continuing, rather than a prolonged period of waiting.

he marks time

This implies a passive form of waiting, simply passing the time until something happens.

he is on standby

Suggests a state of readiness and preparedness while awaiting a signal or instruction.

he is in limbo

Conveys a sense of uncertainty and suspension while waiting for resolution or clarity.

FAQs

How can I use "he waits" in a sentence?

You can use "he waits" to describe someone who is in a state of anticipation, such as "He waits for the train to arrive" or to describe someone strategically delaying action, such as "He waits for the opportune moment to strike".

What are some alternatives to "he waits"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "he is waiting", "he bides his time", or "he is expecting".

Is there a difference between saying "he waits" and "he is waiting"?

While both phrases convey the idea of waiting, "he waits" can sometimes imply a more habitual or deliberate action, while "he is waiting" usually emphasizes the ongoing nature of the waiting.

When is it appropriate to use "he waits" instead of "he is patient"?

"He waits" simply describes the act of waiting, while "he is patient" emphasizes the quality of patience during the waiting period. Use "he waits" when focusing on the action, and "he is patient" when highlighting the person's demeanor.