is waiting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is waiting for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is in a state of anticipation for a specific event or person. Example: "She is waiting for the bus to arrive at the station."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He is waiting for me.

The New Yorker

It is waiting for us.

The New York Times

He is waiting for an answer.

Independent

And he is waiting for an explanation.

The New York Times

He is waiting for his chance, however.

The Economist

History is waiting for the Punter.

The Guardian - Sport

No one is waiting for me.

The New Yorker

David is waiting for Ed to fail.

Independent

Neither is waiting for a table".

The New York Times

"Everybody is waiting for Azerbaijan's decision".

The New York Times

Texas is waiting for federal aid.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the subject and verb agree in number. For example, "He is waiting for the bus" (singular) versus "They are waiting for the bus" (plural).

Common error

Avoid using "is waiting for" in overly passive constructions. While grammatically correct, excessive passive voice can make your writing unclear or less impactful. For example, instead of "The decision is being waited for by the committee", try "The committee is waiting for the decision".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is waiting for" functions as a present continuous verb phrase, indicating an ongoing action or state of anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase connects a subject with the action of awaiting something or someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

11%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "is waiting for" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase used to express anticipation or expectation. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is widely accepted and frequently used in both formal and informal contexts. While synonyms like "anticipates" or "awaits" can add variety to your writing, "is waiting for" remains a clear and effective choice. Remember to avoid overuse of passive voice to maintain clarity and impact. The phrase's prevalence in news and media sources underscores its general applicability and broad understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is expecting

Emphasizes the belief that something will happen or arrive.

is anticipating

Focuses on looking forward to something with excitement or eagerness.

is looking forward to

Highlights the positive sentiment associated with waiting.

awaits

A more formal and concise way of saying someone or something is waiting.

is in expectation of

More formal and emphasizes the state of expecting something.

is prepared for

Suggests readiness and anticipation for an event or outcome.

is watching for

Implies vigilance while waiting for something to appear or happen.

is on the lookout for

Suggests actively searching while waiting.

is keeping an eye out for

Similar to 'is on the lookout for', but more informal.

is standing by for

Suggests readiness to act when something happens.

FAQs

What's a more formal alternative to "is waiting for"?

For a more formal tone, consider using "awaits" or "anticipates". These options provide a similar meaning but are generally perceived as more elevated in style.

How can I use "is waiting for" in a sentence?

You can use "is waiting for" to express anticipation or expectation. For instance, "She is waiting for the results of her exam" or "The company is waiting for regulatory approval".

What's the difference between "is waiting for" and "is expecting"?

"Is waiting for" generally implies a passive state of anticipation, while "is expecting" suggests a stronger belief that something will occur. You might say "He is waiting for a call" (simply anticipating it) versus "She is expecting a baby" (confident in the outcome).

Which is correct, "is waiting for" or "waits for"?

Both "is waiting for" and "waits for" are grammatically correct, but they convey different tenses. "Is waiting for" is present continuous, indicating an ongoing action, while "waits for" is simple present, indicating a habitual action or general truth. For example, "He is waiting for the train now" versus "He waits for the train every morning".