left waiting for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "left waiting for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a situation where someone is made to wait for something or someone, often implying a sense of abandonment or delay. Example: "After the meeting was canceled, I was left waiting for an explanation that never came."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

We're left waiting for a knockout debate.

The New York Times

THOSE "in the footprint" are left waiting for the approaching storm.

The New York Times

Seven hundred thousand people have been left waiting for an ESA assessment.

The Guardian - Opinion

The bus had already left, waiting for the next one would make him miss his train.

The New Yorker

Only a few hundred British soldiers are left, waiting for flights home this week.

The Guardian

Public works departments are left waiting for days or weeks to receive their orders.

The New York Times

In our hour of desperate need, we've been left waiting for help…Sixty-six days and counting, shame on you.

The New Yorker

So hapless travellers are left waiting for a good Samaritan who may or may not turn up.I have a little less trust in the unfettered market.

The Economist

Yet, through it all, Williams has shown that those pining for her replacement may be left waiting for a while still.

The New Yorker

Further cuts to HMRC's customer services could trigger another plunge in standards, MPs have warned, with customers left waiting for hours on helplines because of surges in demand.

The Guardian

Any child aware of what awaits will be up with the sparrows, but then left waiting for three hours or more before getting into the park.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional tone when using "left waiting for". It often implies a negative experience of being abandoned or overlooked in the process.

Common error

Avoid using "left waiting for" when an active construction would be clearer. For example, instead of "The client was left waiting for the response", consider "The company did not respond to the client."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "left waiting for" primarily functions as a verb phrase, often used in the passive voice. It describes a situation where someone or something is forced to wait, usually against their will or expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically correct and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

86%

Wiki

7%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "left waiting for" is a versatile verb phrase frequently used to express a state of anticipation coupled with frustration or disappointment due to a delay or unmet expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and frequently encountered across various media, particularly in news and media. The authoritative sources and numerous examples demonstrate its widespread use and acceptability in both formal and informal contexts. When employing this phrase, consider the emotional tone you wish to convey, as it often carries a negative connotation. Consider using alternative phrases such as "remained in anticipation of" or "kept in suspense regarding" for slightly different nuances.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remained in anticipation of

Emphasizes a state of anticipation that continues over time.

kept in suspense regarding

Highlights the uncertainty and anxiety associated with waiting.

found themselves awaiting

Describes the situation of passively waiting for something to happen.

were kept on hold for

Focuses on being temporarily delayed or paused in expectation.

were made to expect

Indicates that someone was led to believe they would receive something, leading to a waiting period.

had to stand by for

Suggests a readiness or preparedness while waiting.

were in a holding pattern for

Implies a state of suspension or delay, often in a controlled manner.

were held up pending

Highlights the reason for the delay as something unresolved.

endured a delay awaiting

Focuses on the experience of tolerating a waiting period.

were caught in expectation of

Describes being ensnared by the feeling of expecting something to happen.

FAQs

How can I use "left waiting for" in a sentence?

Use "left waiting for" to describe a situation where someone is expecting something or someone but experiences a delay, often implying a sense of frustration or disappointment. For instance, "The customers were left waiting for hours due to the system outage."

What can I say instead of "left waiting for"?

You can use alternatives like "remained in anticipation of", "kept in suspense regarding", or "found themselves awaiting" depending on the specific context.

Is it more appropriate to say "left waiting for" or "were waiting for"?

"Left waiting for" implies a sense of abandonment or unexpected delay. "Were waiting for" is a more neutral description of simply being in a state of anticipation. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize the negative aspect of the waiting experience.

What's the difference between "left waiting for" and "kept waiting for"?

"Left waiting for" suggests a more abrupt or unexpected situation where someone is abandoned in their wait. "Kept waiting for" implies a more continuous or prolonged state of waiting, often due to someone else's actions.