long wait times

USAGE SUMMARY

"long wait times" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to an extended amount of time that someone is expected to wait for something to be completed. For example, "Many customers are unhappy with the long wait times they experience when trying to contact customer service."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Despite Trump's claims, veterans are still facing long wait times.

The Washington Post

Penn State is not alone with facing long wait times.

The Washington Post

Many women did not know about veteran housing, while others experienced long wait times.

The New York Times

FACT: Despite Trump's claims, veterans are still facing long wait times.

The Washington Post

Tone it down to avoid frustrating potential customers with long wait times.

Harvard Business Review

The next closest option for poor women is Trenton, where clinics can have long wait times.

The Guardian

In addition, many delay seeking care because perceptions of public health services include long wait times.

The Guardian

This has in part contributed to long wait times for a diagnosis and subsequent delays in access to therapy.

Stanford University

Shopping after work means crowded stores and long wait times, which are likely to interfere with child-care arrangements.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Consumers have described hours-long wait times with CareFirst's customer-service staff.

The Washington Post

Furthermore, the unlock process requires long-wait times on the phone and answering lots of questions.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When discussing customer service or healthcare, use "long wait times" to clearly communicate dissatisfaction and potential negative consequences for people.

Common error

Avoid using "long wait times" when shorter delays are more appropriate. Be precise about the actual duration to avoid exaggerating the issue. Is it really a 'long' wait, or just an inconvenient one?

Linguistic Context

The phrase "long wait times" functions as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. It describes a situation characterized by extended periods of waiting. Ludwig examples confirm its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Academia

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "long wait times" is a very common and grammatically correct phrase used to express concern about extended periods of waiting. Analysis from Ludwig confirms that it functions primarily as a noun phrase to highlight inefficiencies or problems. The phrase maintains a neutral register, suitable for diverse contexts ranging from news and media to scientific discussions and academic writings. While alternatives like "extended delays" or "lengthy delays" exist, "long wait times" is direct and widely understood. Remember to use it precisely to reflect the actual duration and avoid exaggerating minor delays.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

extended delays

This alternative focuses on the delay aspect, emphasizing its duration.

lengthy delays

Similar to "extended delays", it highlights the duration of the delay.

protracted waiting periods

This option emphasizes the duration and the act of waiting, suggesting a formal tone.

excessive queuing times

Focuses on the queuing aspect and the excessiveness of the time spent.

unreasonable delays

This alternative highlights the unfairness of the delay.

extensive waiting lists

This emphasizes the waiting list rather than the wait time itself.

prolonged hold times

Specifically refers to the time spent on hold, usually in telephone contexts.

significant time lags

Highlights the gap in time between action and result.

considerable waiting

A more general term that captures the idea of a substantial wait.

drawn-out delays

This option indicates that the delays are unnecessarily long.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "long wait times" in a sentence?

Consider using alternatives such as "extended delays", "lengthy delays", or "protracted waiting periods" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "long wait times" and "lengthy delays"?

While both phrases are similar, "long wait times" usually refers to the duration someone spends waiting for a service or product. "Lengthy delays" /s/lengthy+delays can apply more broadly to any situation where something is postponed or held up.

When is it appropriate to use "long wait times" in writing?

It is appropriate to use "long wait times" when you want to emphasize the negative impact of extended waiting periods on individuals or systems, such as in healthcare, customer service, or government processes. It is important to focus on the duration someone spends waiting for a service or product.

Which is the correct way to say: "long wait times" or "long waiting times"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "long wait times" is more common and concise. "Long waiting times" sounds a bit more verbose but is still acceptable. The selection between the two is often based on the rhythm/cadence of the phrase within the wider sentence.