it will be a long wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "it will be a long wait" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to an anticipated delay or duration of time before something happens. Example: "If we don't leave now, it will be a long wait for the bus to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

It will be a long wait for the next snack, he said.

The New York Times

It will be a long wait for the gift the majority of fans crave, a new striker capable of delivering the rout Arsenal's intricate and intelligent approach play merits.

Independent

In short, I do not share the view of many that, after the internet and the personal computer, it will be a long wait until the next paradigm-shifting innovation.

The Guardian - Opinion

After that, however, it will be a long wait for Chrysler's next wave of new products, mainly the rear-wheel drive sedans called LX, which are scheduled for 2004.

The New York Times

It will be a long wait in the meantime.

Science Magazine

For many of them it will be a long wait, and they will eventually have to stop the hemorrhage of cash flow.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Bottom line: It'll be a long wait for light sabers.

Forbes

Well, now that our hopes are sky-high -- it'll be a long wait until January.

Huffington Post

* * *  The buffet is stuffy and it looks like there will be a long wait.

The New Yorker

Theirs will be a long wait.

Experimental Dermatology

It will be a long and agonizing wait and, of course, a potentially fruitless one.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "it will be a long wait" when you want to express that an anticipated event or outcome is not expected to occur soon. This phrase is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "it will be a long wait" when referring to situations where immediate action is required. It's best suited for scenarios involving future events, not present necessities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "it will be a long wait" functions as a statement indicating that a significant amount of time is expected to pass before something occurs. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "it will be a long wait" is a grammatically sound and versatile expression used to indicate that an anticipated event will take considerable time. Ludwig confirms this, providing numerous examples across various domains. Its usage is prevalent in news reporting, scientific discussions, and everyday conversations. While appropriate for both formal and informal settings, it’s crucial to use it in context where a future delay is anticipated. Alternatives like "a protracted delay is anticipated" can add sophistication to formal writing. Be mindful not to use it in situations requiring immediate action. With these guidelines, you can confidently and accurately use this phrase in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

it will be a protracted delay

Replaces "long wait" with a more formal term "protracted delay".

there will be a considerable delay

Substitutes "it will be" with "there will be" and "long wait" with "considerable delay".

we have a long time to wait

Changes the structure to emphasize the duration of waiting.

the process will take a while

Replaces the expression with a more generic statement about the duration of a process.

it will be a lengthy period

Focuses on the period of time involved, using "lengthy" instead of "long".

the wait will be extensive

Emphasizes the extent of the wait using "extensive".

expect a significant delay

Uses a more direct and instructive tone, indicating a notable delay.

it's going to be a while

Offers a more informal and conversational version of the phrase.

anticipate a long delay

Uses "anticipate" to suggest foreseeing a long delay.

the expectation is for a prolonged wait

Formalizes the expression by using "the expectation is for" and "prolonged wait".

FAQs

How can I rephrase "it will be a long wait"?

You can use alternatives like "it will be a protracted delay", "there will be a considerable delay", or "we have a long time to wait" depending on the context.

Is "it will be a long wait" appropriate for formal writing?

Yes, "it will be a long wait" is generally acceptable in formal writing, but consider using more sophisticated synonyms like "a protracted delay is anticipated" to enhance the tone.

When should I avoid using "it will be a long wait"?

Avoid using "it will be a long wait" in situations where immediate action or urgency is required. It's best suited for describing future or expected delays.

What's the difference between "it will be a long wait" and "it will take a while"?

"It will be a long wait" implies a more extended duration compared to "it will take a while". The latter is more generic and less specific about the length of the delay.