it was waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it was waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation where something or someone was in a state of anticipation or readiness in the past. Example: "When I arrived at the station, I noticed that the train was waiting for passengers to board."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is as if it was waiting for its time.

The Guardian

It was waiting to happen.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

And now it was waiting for Diana.

The New Yorker

It was waiting to fly off.

The Guardian

It was waiting to be discovered.

The New York Times

And now it was waiting for Diana..

The New Yorker

But it was waiting for you to type something.

The New York Times

"It was waiting for me," said Mr. Shah, 64.

The New York Times

The film came about fortuitously, like it was waiting to be shot.

Stanford University

Now a legislative bill abolishing it was waiting for his signature, or his veto.

The New York Times

US Soccer confirmed Wednesday that it was waiting for word from New York.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using stronger verbs like "lurked", "hovered", or "anticipated" to add vividness and specificity to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "it was waiting" when the subject is clearly incapable of anticipation or expectation. For example, instead of saying "The broken clock was waiting for repair", opt for "The broken clock needed repair."

Linguistic Context

"It was waiting" functions as a verbal phrase indicating a state of anticipation or readiness at a point in the past. Ludwig AI indicates its correct and usable nature in written English. It is used to describe a past situation where something was in a state of expectation.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it was waiting" is a grammatically sound and usable expression in English, indicating a state of readiness or anticipation in the past. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct to use. While "it was waiting" is simple and versatile, it is a less frequent option than other similar phrases, primarily appearing in News & Media contexts. For more expressive writing, consider alternatives like "it had been awaiting" or "it was standing by" to add nuance and clarity. Always ensure that the subject of "it" is clearly defined to avoid ambiguity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it had been awaiting

This phrase emphasizes the continuous aspect of waiting over a period of time before a specific point in the past.

it was standing by

This suggests a state of readiness or preparedness, often for immediate action.

it was anticipating

This highlights the expectation or anticipation of something to happen.

it had been expecting

This emphasizes the prior expectation of something or someone.

it was in readiness

This phrase conveys a formal tone and emphasizes the state of being prepared.

it was poised

This suggests being in a state of balance or readiness for action.

it was set

This indicates a state of being prepared or arranged for a specific purpose.

it awaited

A more formal and literary way of saying 'it was waiting'.

it was prepared

This suggests that something was made ready for a future event or action.

it lingered

This implies a delayed departure, remaining in a state of expectation.

FAQs

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

Use "it was waiting" to describe something that was in a state of readiness or anticipation in the past. Example: "When I arrived at the station, it was waiting for me".

What are some alternatives to "it was waiting"?

You can use alternatives like "it had been awaiting", "it was standing by", or "it was anticipating depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "it was waiting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "it was waiting" is grammatically correct and a commonly used phrase in English.

What is the difference between "it was waiting" and "it had been waiting"?

"It was waiting" describes a state of readiness at a specific point in the past, while "it had been awaiting" emphasizes the continuous aspect of waiting over a period of time before a specific point in the past.