life waits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "life waits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to convey the idea that life is patient or that one should take their time in making decisions or taking action. Example: "In times of uncertainty, remember that life waits for those who are willing to embrace the journey."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

Life waits.

The New Yorker

Blood blunders through the chambers of my heart.My life waits to turn the page from fifty-nine to sixty.A feather too blue to be real — how long does it last?

The New Yorker

Blood blunders through the chambers of my heart.My life waits to turn the page from fifty-nine to sixty.A feather too blue to be real how long does it last?

The New Yorker

The winter deer tick, Dermacentor albipictus, which feeds on one moose or deer all its life, waits on vegetation for a passing host while it is still in the larval stage.

The New York Times - Science

As we are constantly told, life waits for no one.

Huffington Post

Then there are times that life waits for you to put things into motion.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I thought there was a pretty life waiting for me.

The New York Times

"The average American waits six months of her life waiting for the lights to change.

The Guardian - Books

As someone who spent much of her early life waiting for buses, she should know.

Independent

She was 22, beautiful and shouldn't be wasting her life waiting for me.

The New York Times

This trampled earth in no way resembled real life, waiting for exams in real life.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "life waits" when you want to convey the idea that time and opportunities will remain available, encouraging a thoughtful approach rather than rushing into decisions.

Common error

Avoid using "life waits" to suggest that one should be passive or inactive. It implies patience and readiness, not idleness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "life waits" functions as an intransitive clause, where "life" is the subject and "waits" is the verb. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "life waits" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that suggests patience and enduring opportunities. According to Ludwig, it conveys a message of reassurance. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it encourages reflection and a thoughtful approach to decisions rather than rushed actions. While not an extremely common phrase, its meaning is clear and its use appropriate in contexts where emphasizing patience and the availability of time is desired. Alternatives such as "life is patient" or "time stands still" offer similar nuances depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

life is patient

Emphasizes the attribute of patience inherent in life itself, shifting from an active waiting to a passive characteristic.

life bides its time

Uses a more archaic verb to suggest a slow, deliberate pace of life's unfolding.

life is on hold

Suggests that life is temporarily paused, often due to external circumstances.

life is in abeyance

Indicates a temporary suspension or postponement of life's activities or progress.

life lingers

Conveys a sense of life persisting slowly, perhaps even reluctantly.

the future is pending

Focuses on the uncertainty and anticipation of what is to come in life.

time stands still

Emphasizes the feeling of time slowing down or stopping, often during moments of anticipation or waiting.

the world is on pause

Suggests a widespread halt or suspension of activity, affecting life on a global scale.

destiny is deferred

Implies that one's fate or predetermined path is being delayed or postponed.

the universe anticipates

Gives a cosmic perspective, suggesting that the entire universe is in a state of expectation.

FAQs

What does "life waits" mean?

The phrase "life waits" suggests that opportunities and experiences will remain available; it emphasizes the importance of patience and readiness rather than hurried action.

Is "life waits" a common expression?

While not extremely common, "life waits" is a recognized and understandable phrase, particularly in literary or reflective contexts. It's less frequent than alternatives like "life goes on".

What can I say instead of "life waits"?

You can use alternatives like "life is patient", "time stands still", or "life lingers" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

How can I use "life waits" in a sentence?

You might say, "In the face of uncertainty, remember that life waits, offering opportunities for reflection and careful consideration".