he was waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "he was waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is in a state of anticipation or delay, typically for someone or something to arrive. Example: "He was waiting at the bus stop for over an hour, hoping the bus would arrive soon."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

He was waiting.

The New York Times

Sounds like he was waiting.

The New York Times

He was waiting for me".

The New Yorker

"He was waiting patiently.

The Guardian - Books

"He was waiting there in the vault.

The New Yorker

He was waiting for the father.

The New Yorker

He was waiting for this verdict.

The Economist

He was waiting for his ride.

The New York Times

When I left, he was waiting outside.

The Guardian

He was waiting for the train.

The Guardian - Arts

Perhaps he was waiting for a flag.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "he was waiting", ensure the context clearly indicates what or whom he was waiting for. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "he was waiting" without specifying the object or event awaited. For example, instead of "He was waiting", write "He was waiting for the bus" or "He was waiting for the meeting to start."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "he was waiting" functions as a verb phrase indicating a state of anticipation or delay. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage in numerous contexts. The phrase consists of a subject pronoun, auxiliary verb, and the present participle of the verb "wait".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Science

7%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "he was waiting" is a grammatically sound and common expression used to describe a state of anticipation or delay. Ludwig AI's analysis confirms its broad applicability across various contexts, primarily within news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it's important to provide clear context regarding what or whom the subject was waiting for to avoid ambiguity. Related phrases, such as "he had been anticipating" or "he stood in readiness", can offer nuanced alternatives depending on the desired emphasis.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

he was ready and waiting

Emphasizes both readiness and the act of waiting.

he had been anticipating

Emphasizes anticipation over a period.

he had been expecting

Highlights the expectation of a future event or arrival.

he stood in readiness

Conveys a sense of preparedness and alertness.

he remained in expectation

Underscores a prolonged state of expectancy.

he was in anticipation

Highlights the emotional state of looking forward to something.

he was poised

Suggests readiness and balance before an action.

he kept watch

Implies observing for someone or something.

he was on standby

Suggests being available and prepared for immediate action or service.

he bided his time

Implies patiently waiting for an opportune moment.

FAQs

How can I use "he was waiting" in a sentence?

Use "he was waiting" to describe a state of anticipation. For example, "He was waiting at the airport for his friend to arrive".

What's a more formal way to say "he was waiting"?

In a more formal context, consider using alternatives such as "he had been anticipating" or "he remained in expectation".

Which is correct, "he was waiting for" or "he waited for"?

Both "he was waiting for" and "he waited for" are correct. "He was waiting for" implies a continuous action, while "he waited for" suggests a completed action.

What can I say instead of "he was waiting" to emphasize readiness?

To emphasize readiness, you could say "he was ready and waiting" or "he stood in readiness".