in wait of

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "in wait of" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an event or situation that you are expecting or hoping will happen. For example, "We are in wait of news from the government about the status of our health insurance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

This is a Rolls-Royce of an orchestra idling and in wait of the right driver.

The New York Times - Arts

Yet if Colorado's rapid youth movement holds, there may be no need to live in wait of the big names' returns.

The Guardian - Sport

It is no surprise that Latin Americans lie in wait of Asia's challenge because, until Friday night, the region that has excelled far above expectations at this World Cup has been the Western Hemisphere Southh, Central and North America.

The New York Times - Sports

So have ecological changes like the spread of buffel grass, a drought-resistant plant native to Africa that allows the parasites to thrive as they lie in wait of host cattle.

The New York Times

In a practice known as temple sleep, ailing people came to dream in oracular temples such as those of the Greek god of medicine, Asclepius; there, they performed rites or sacrifices in efforts to dream appropriately, and they then slept in wait of the appearance of the god (or his emissary, such as a priest), who would deliver a cure.

Encyclopedia Britannica

More importantly, given that America is the most thoroughly explored petroleum producing country on earth, it is very unlikely new shale gas fields lie in wait of discovery.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

50 human-written examples

Two days earlier the new leader-in-waiting of Afghanistan had negotiated the surrender of the last Taliban stronghold.

The Guardian

The spectre of a financial nemesis", when presented by the chief executive-in-waiting of one of our big high street banks, should not be taken lightly.

The Guardian - Business

But on June 18th (Waterloo day), Jean-Claude Trichet, governor of the Bank of France and president-in-waiting of the European Central Bank (ECB), won his verdict.

The Economist

From outward appearances, Mr. Racicot, who is 52, would seem an unlikely close adviser to a president-in-waiting of such long political lineage as Mr. Bush.

The New York Times

He was immediately installed as favourite - the man seen by many pundits as the most credible prime-minister-in-waiting of the likely candidates.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "in wait of" to convey a sense of poised anticipation, especially when the object of waiting is significant or eagerly desired. This phrase is best suited for scenarios where a specific outcome is expected, creating a sense of readiness or suspense.

Common error

Avoid using "in wait of" interchangeably with "waiting for" in all contexts. "Waiting for" is a more general term for simply awaiting something or someone. "In wait of" implies a specific expectation or purpose behind the waiting. Consider using "awaiting" or "expecting" for a more accurate and concise expression.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "in wait of" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun, indicating a state of anticipation or expectancy. It is typically used to describe someone or something that is ready and prepared for a specific event or outcome. As Ludwig AI explains, the phrase is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

17%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "in wait of" correctly conveys anticipation or expectancy, often implying readiness for a specific event. While grammatically sound, as supported by Ludwig AI, simpler alternatives such as "awaiting" or "expecting" are generally more common. The phrase sees use across various source types, with News & Media being the most frequent. When using "in wait of", ensure the context involves a clear expectation or poised anticipation, distinguishing it from the more general term "waiting for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in anticipation of

More formal alternative with a similar nuance.

in expectation of

A more formal substitute, close in meaning.

awaiting

Single word synonym, more concise.

expecting

Focuses on anticipation, less formal.

anticipating

Highlights expectation of something to occur.

looking forward to

Expresses eagerness for a future event.

standing by for

Implies readiness to act when something happens.

on the lookout for

Suggests actively searching and waiting.

prepared for

Emphasizes readiness, may not include waiting.

lying in wait

Implies a hidden or secretive waiting.

FAQs

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

Use "in wait of" when you want to express that you are anticipating something specific. For example, "The orchestra is in wait of the conductor" or "The country is in wait of the election results".

What's a more common alternative to "in wait of"?

While "in wait of" is correct, simpler alternatives like "awaiting" or "expecting" are more frequently used in contemporary English.

Is it correct to say "in wait for" instead of "in wait of"?

No, the correct preposition to use with "in wait" is "of". Saying "in wait for" is grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "in anticipation of" and "in wait of"?

"In anticipation of" and "in wait of" are quite similar, both expressing expectation. However, "in wait of" often implies a more passive or expectant stance, while "in anticipation of" suggests a more active preparation or expectation. You can also use simpler forms like "expecting" or "looking forward to".