killing time waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "killing time waiting" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when referring to activities done to pass the time while waiting for something. Example: "I was killing time waiting for my friend to arrive by browsing my phone." Alternative expressions include "passing the time," "biding my time," and "waiting idly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

A lot of that hustle consists of killing time, waiting for something to happen.

The New York Times

We are killing time, waiting for it to get dark so that the movie can start.

The New Yorker

And so after finishing nights, I am now killing time waiting to watch the Triathlon outside Buckingham Palace.

The Guardian - Sport

When I went to music stores to check out new equipment, salesmen would ignore me (there were no saleswomen in the keyboard rooms back in those days) eventually asking if I was just killing time waiting for my musician boyfriend.

The New York Times

The composer and entrepreneur William Christopher 'W.C.' Handy (1873-1958) was killing time waiting for a delayed train at the railroad station in Tutwiler, Mississippi when he encountered a guitarist also whiling away the time by playing to himself.

The Guardian - Music

For example, recently I was sitting in the Phoenix airport, killing time waiting for a connecting flight to L.A., so I bought the newspaper and went to the bar near my gate.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Once derided as the consolation prize for failing to finish a Ph.D. or just a way to kill time waiting out economic downturns, the master's is now the fastest-growing degree.

The New York Times

Because he kills time waiting for the first lady to get ready for a reception, not by squeezing in some affairs of state but by calling out some crossword clues: JED: 'Laissez-faire doctrine', fifteen letters.

The Guardian

It includes a so-called "virtual fridge" where you'll find coupons to add to your order and a free game called "Pizza Hut Racer" that you can play while you kill time waiting for your food to arrive.

TechCrunch

I kill time waiting for my sister--who is joining me at the Irina Shabayeva show--in the Dunkin Donuts gas station shop across the street.

Huffington Post

Woods was eight shots ahead with five holes to play when he stumbled his way to the finish line, perhaps from having to kill time waiting on the group ahead.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a temporary situation or activity done while waiting, use "killing time waiting" to add a touch of casualness and realism to your writing. It's particularly effective in narrative or descriptive contexts.

Common error

While "killing time waiting" is acceptable, it can sound too informal for academic papers or business reports. Opt for phrases like "utilizing the waiting period" or "occupying the intervening time" in formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "killing time waiting" functions as a gerund phrase describing an activity undertaken to alleviate boredom or make time pass more quickly while anticipating something. This is supported by Ludwig's examples, where the phrase is used to describe various scenarios, such as waiting for a flight or a train.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Wiki

10%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "killing time waiting" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of engaging in activities to pass the time during a period of waiting. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability and usage in various contexts, primarily in news and media. While generally neutral in register, it tends toward informality and should be used judiciously in formal writing. Alternatives such as "passing the time while waiting" or "occupying oneself during the wait" may be more appropriate for formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

passing the time while waiting

Focuses on the action of making time go by, similar to "killing time" but with a slightly more neutral connotation.

whiling away the time awaiting

Emphasizes a leisurely way of spending time while waiting, suggesting a relaxed approach.

occupying oneself during the wait

Highlights the act of keeping busy to avoid boredom while waiting.

biding time until

Focuses on waiting patiently for a specific event or time.

filling the time before

Indicates using activities to make the time pass more quickly before something happens.

passing the interim

A more formal way of saying passing the time, suitable for academic or formal writing.

spending time in anticipation

Highlights the act of waiting and using time until some event

marking time while expecting

Emphasizes that time is passing slowly during some waiting.

consuming the intervening period

A formal way of suggesting that the wait is inevitable and that has to be fullfiled.

engaging in activities while awaiting

Highlights engaging in doing something to wait.

FAQs

What does "killing time waiting" mean?

The phrase "killing time waiting" refers to engaging in activities to make the time pass more quickly while waiting for something to happen or someone to arrive. It implies that the activities are done primarily to alleviate boredom.

Is "killing time waiting" grammatically correct?

Yes, "killing time waiting" is grammatically correct. The phrase is a gerund phrase that functions as a description of an action taken while in a state of waiting.

What are some alternatives to "killing time waiting"?

You can use alternatives such as "passing the time while waiting", "whiling away the time awaiting", or "occupying oneself during the wait" depending on the context.

How can I use "killing time waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "killing time waiting" by incorporating it into a sentence describing a situation where someone is waiting and engaging in activities to pass the time. For example, "She was killing time waiting for her flight by reading a book".