keep waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

"keep waiting" is a valid phrase that can be used in written English.
It is typically used as an imperative to encourage someone to be patient and keep waiting. For example, "The bus will be here soon, just keep waiting."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

"Keep waiting".

The New York Times

You'll have to keep waiting.

The New York Times

Keep waiting, Mr. Bezos said.

The New York Times - Tech

"I keep waiting every week".

The New York Times

Does Ravi Bopara keep waiting?

The Guardian - Sport

The man has decided to keep waiting.

The New York Times

She realized she needn't keep waiting.

The New York Times

Just keep waiting, it will come out.

Independent

"Chile can't keep waiting," the president said.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

She kept waiting.

The Economist

And kept waiting.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "keep waiting" to encourage patience in situations where the outcome is uncertain but anticipated. For example, "The results are being tallied; just "keep waiting" a little longer."

Common error

Avoid relying too heavily on "keep waiting" when more specific or encouraging language would be more appropriate. Instead of always saying "keep waiting", try to provide an estimated timeframe or offer reassurance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "keep waiting" functions primarily as an imperative, urging someone to continue to be patient. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a standard and accepted phrase. The examples highlight its use in various contexts, from technical delays to personal expectations.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

81%

Wiki

7%

Science

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "keep waiting" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to encourage continued patience. As Ludwig AI indicates, this phrase is acceptable and widely understood in English. Its frequent appearance in news and media, as well as its presence in more informal contexts like wiki articles, underscores its versatility. When using "keep waiting", be mindful of the context and whether a more specific or encouraging message might be more appropriate. While the phrase is simple, its effectiveness lies in its clear communication of the need for continued patience.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to wait

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of the waiting action.

wait a little longer

Indicates that the waiting period is expected to extend but not indefinitely.

remain patient

Focuses on the emotional state of the person waiting.

exercise patience

Highlights the need for self-control while waiting.

hold on a moment

Suggests a shorter duration of waiting, often used in immediate contexts.

await further developments

Suggests waiting for something specific to happen or be revealed.

just hold tight

An informal way of telling someone to wait patiently.

stay put

Instructs someone to remain in their current location while waiting.

persevere in waiting

Implies a challenging or difficult waiting situation.

tarry

An older or more formal way to say "wait".

FAQs

How can I use "keep waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "keep waiting" to advise someone to be patient and continue waiting for something, as in "The doctor will see you shortly; please "keep waiting" in the reception area."

What is a more formal alternative to "keep waiting"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "please wait", "await further instructions", or "kindly hold".

When is it inappropriate to use "keep waiting"?

It might be inappropriate to use "keep waiting" when the waiting time is excessively long or indefinite, and offering a more concrete solution or alternative is possible or more empathetic.

What's the difference between "keep waiting" and "wait"?

"Wait" is a simple instruction to pause, while "keep waiting" implies a continuation of an already ongoing wait, suggesting patience and persistence are required.