long wait for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "long wait for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a prolonged period of time spent waiting for something or someone. Example: "After a long wait for the bus, I finally decided to call a taxi."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Expect a long wait for your food.

The New York Times

Long wait for surgery is associated with increased costs.

The Journal of Arthroplasty

Then came the long wait for fame.

The New York Times - Arts

Their long wait for a victory ended.

The Washington Post

Then came the long wait for the nighttime departure.

The New York Times

"It's been a long wait for us," Mr. Clark said.

The New York Times

Britain's long wait for showjumping gold was over.

The Guardian - Sport

It had been a long wait for Bubba.

The New York Times - Sports

Hit and the long wait for Scotland's first World Cup win would end.

Independent

The sale therefore cost me 13.4 per cent and a long wait for the money.

Independent

He comes from a country desperate to end its long wait for a Grand Slam champion.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "long wait for", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being waited for. This avoids ambiguity and provides a clear understanding for the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "long wait for" without specifying who or what is doing the waiting. For instance, instead of saying "There was a long wait for", specify "The customers experienced a long wait for their orders".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long wait for" primarily functions as a prepositional phrase, often acting as an adjectival modifier. It describes a noun by specifying the nature of the wait involved, and it indicates anticipation for something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is both correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

18%

Science

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "long wait for" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to describe situations involving prolonged anticipation. As Ludwig AI validates, its neutrality makes it suitable for various registers, appearing frequently in news, business, and scientific contexts. While generally straightforward, ensuring the object of the waiting is clear will enhance clarity. Alternatives like "lengthy waiting period for" or "protracted delay before" can add formality, but "long wait for" remains a versatile and easily understood choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lengthy waiting period for

Emphasizes the duration of the wait using 'lengthy' instead of 'long'.

extended anticipation of

Focuses on the feeling of anticipation during the prolonged period, using 'extended' and 'anticipation'.

protracted delay before

Highlights the delay itself as being prolonged, with a slightly more formal tone using 'protracted'.

considerable time spent awaiting

Uses a more descriptive approach, emphasizing the amount of time and the act of awaiting.

significant pause before

Emphasizes the interruption or break before something happens, using 'significant pause'.

tedious period of expectation for

Highlights the boring or wearisome nature of the wait, using 'tedious period'.

substantial interval preceding

Uses more formal vocabulary to describe the time before something, with 'substantial interval'.

long drawn-out anticipation before

Implies the waiting period felt unnecessarily extended or prolonged.

prolonged period of hoping for

Emphasizes the act of hoping during the extended period.

an age before

Uses a hyperbole to emphasize the excessive feeling of the wait duration.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "long wait for" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider alternatives such as "protracted delay before", "substantial interval preceding", or "lengthy waiting period for", depending on the specific context.

What's the difference between "long wait for" and "long delay for"?

While both phrases are similar, "long wait for" emphasizes the act of waiting and anticipation, whereas "long delay for" highlights the delay itself as the central issue. The choice depends on whether you want to focus on the experience of waiting or the occurrence of the delay.

Is it ever incorrect to use "long wait for"?

The phrase "long wait for" is generally correct. However, ensure it is followed by a clear indication of what is being waited for. Ambiguity can arise if the object of the waiting is unclear from the context.

What are some common situations where I might use "long wait for"?

You might use "long wait for" to describe waiting for food at a restaurant, the release of a new product, medical treatment, or the resolution of a legal matter. It's applicable whenever a significant amount of time is spent anticipating something.