in wait for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in wait for" is correct and can be used in written English.
It means to be waiting for something or someone. Example: The cat sat in the bushes, in wait for the perfect moment to pounce on the unsuspecting bird.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

The gangsters, however, turned out to be undercover police officers lying in wait for Mr. Vega.

The New York Times

Highway bandits lie in wait for them.

The New York Times

But a surpriselay in wait for them.

The New York Times

Gangs inside the prison would lay in wait for him.

The Guardian - Opinion

The seeds lie in wait for just the right moment.

The New York Times

Is that what lies in wait for Asterix?

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

The Capitals play a real dump-it-in, wait-for-your-chances type of game.

Los Angeles Times

They fortified their positions and dug in, waiting for the French to attack.

Wikipedia

The Bush family has had a government-in-waiting for the past eight years.

The Economist

In Waiting for Godot, Godot never appears.

The Guardian

In Waiting for Vodot, we're still waiting.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context when choosing "in wait for". It can sometimes imply a sense of readiness or even potential threat, so ensure it aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "in wait for" when a neutral term like "waiting for" is more appropriate. The phrase often carries a subtle implication of readiness for action or a potential threat, so ensure it fits the intended meaning.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in wait for" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase, often modifying a verb to describe a state of anticipation or preparedness. As Ludwig AI explains, this phrase is correct and can be used in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

20%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in wait for" is a prepositional phrase that describes a state of anticipation or preparedness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used in written English, especially within news media. Its usage implies a readiness for action, setting it apart from the more neutral "waiting for". While versatile, it's crucial to consider the context to ensure its connotation aligns with the intended message. Alternative phrases like "awaiting" or "lying in wait" offer subtle variations in meaning. Therefore, understanding these nuances allows for more precise and impactful writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting for

A simpler and more direct way to express the same meaning.

awaiting

A more concise, single-word synonym expressing expectation.

lying in wait

Emphasizes a hidden or concealed form of waiting, often with a predatory connotation.

anticipating

Focuses on the feeling or expectation of something about to happen.

expecting

Indicates a belief that something will occur.

standing by

Suggests readiness and availability, often in a professional or emergency context.

looking out for

Suggests vigilance while waiting, often to spot a particular person or thing.

prepared for

Highlights the aspect of being ready or equipped for something expected.

on the lookout for

Similar to "looking out for", emphasizing a state of active searching while waiting.

biding one's time

Implies waiting patiently for an opportune moment.

FAQs

How can I use "in wait for" in a sentence?

You can use "in wait for" to describe a state of anticipation, such as "The ambushers lay "lying in wait" for their target" or "The city was "in expectation for" the celebrations to start".

What phrases are similar to "in wait for"?

Similar phrases include "awaiting", "waiting for", and "lying in wait", each carrying slightly different nuances of anticipation.

Is there a difference between "waiting for" and "in wait for"?

"Waiting for" is a more general term for expecting something, while "in wait for" often suggests a state of readiness or preparedness, sometimes with an element of secrecy or potential action.

When is it appropriate to use "in wait for" instead of "waiting for"?

Use "in wait for" when you want to emphasize the readiness or anticipation involved in the waiting, particularly if there's an implied element of action or preparedness for something to happen.