it cannot wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it cannot wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express urgency or the need for immediate action regarding a situation or task. Example: "The deadline for the project is approaching quickly; it cannot wait any longer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

It cannot wait to expiate its evil.

The New Yorker

But it cannot wait too long.

The Economist

"It cannot wait for another summer holiday.

The New York Times

It cannot wait until it uncovers a violation to start that clock.

The New York Times

It cannot wait until after the election, nor until it sees inflation pick up.

The New York Times

The transparency and anticorruption working group warned that "actions regarding anticorruption must start immediately; it cannot wait until the legal, legislative and executive systems are reformed".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

I'm very excited to build it and I cannot wait for everyone will get to experience …  .

Vice

The challenge to work with Australia has come a good few years before I expected it to and it is one I cannot wait to take on.

The Guardian - Sport

"I say it every year: I cannot wait for these three weeks," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Even though you don't feel it right now, I cannot wait for the day you realize that".

The New York Times - Magazine

"I have always followed Peterborough, a few mates have come down here to play and love it here and I cannot wait to get started.

BBC

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "it cannot wait", ensure the context clearly indicates what the 'it' refers to, avoiding ambiguity for the reader.

Common error

While "it cannot wait" is effective for expressing urgency, avoid overusing it in your writing. Excessive repetition can diminish its impact and make your writing sound overly dramatic. Use synonyms like "it is urgent" or "immediate action is required" to vary your language.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it cannot wait" functions as an expression of urgency or necessity. It indicates that a particular action or decision must be taken immediately. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

22%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "it cannot wait" effectively conveys a sense of urgency and the necessity for immediate action. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used. While common across various contexts, including news, science, and business, it's crucial to use it judiciously to maintain its impact and avoid overuse. Alternatives like "it is urgent" or "it requires prompt attention" can provide variety in your writing. Always ensure the 'it' is clearly defined to prevent ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it is urgent

Highlights the pressing nature of a situation.

it is crucial

Stresses the importance and criticality of the matter.

it is essential

Focuses on the fundamental necessity of something.

it is vital

Highlights the life-or-death importance in some contexts.

it is imperative

Emphasizes necessity; shifts focus to the critical nature of something.

it requires prompt attention

Emphasizes the need for quick attention.

it demands immediate action

More direct and forceful, explicitly calling for action.

it brooks no delay

More formal, indicating that no delay is permissible.

action is needed now

Directly stresses the need for immediate action instead of passively stating the need to hurry.

the time is of the essence

Highlights that timing is critical for success.

FAQs

What does "it cannot wait" mean?

The phrase "it cannot wait" means that something needs to be done immediately or without delay. It conveys a sense of urgency and importance.

When is it appropriate to use "it cannot wait"?

Use "it cannot wait" when emphasizing the necessity of immediate action or attention to a particular matter. For instance, you might say, "The patient's condition is critical; "it is urgent"." when referring to medical attention.

What are some alternatives to "it cannot wait"?

You can use alternatives like "it is imperative", "it is urgent", or "it requires prompt attention" to express a similar meaning with slightly different nuances.

Is "it cannot wait" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it cannot wait" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.