nervously awaiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "nervously awaiting" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a state of anxiety or anticipation about something that is about to happen. Example: "She was nervously awaiting the results of her job interview, her heart racing with each passing minute."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Performers paced nervously awaiting potential trophies.

The New York Times

They had been nervously awaiting the verdict for hours.

The Guardian

But when I was sitting nervously awaiting the start, I heard whispers that he was there.

The Guardian - Music

And Republicans are nervously awaiting a decision from Senator Fred Thompson of Tennessee.

The New York Times

And it's not just the press that are nervously awaiting the report.

The Guardian

The Crains sold the book to Lippincott, and Lee was nervously awaiting the galleys when she got Capote's call about the Clutter killings.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

We nervously await further developments.

The Guardian

They nervously await the vodka-induced invasion.

The Economist

Shareholders and lenders nervously await more bad news.

The Economist

Her autobiography, due next May, is eagerly and nervously awaited.

The Guardian

But I nervously awaited the final to see if the white letters would "pop" enough.

Stanford University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "nervously awaiting" to convey a blend of anxiety and anticipation, particularly when the outcome is uncertain. This phrase effectively captures the emotional state of someone in suspense.

Common error

While "nervously awaiting" is appropriate in many contexts, avoid overuse by varying your language. Consider alternatives like "anxiously anticipating" or "eagerly dreading" to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "nervously awaiting" functions as a compound verb phrase describing a state of anxious anticipation. As Ludwig AI shows, it connects the manner of waiting (nervously) with the action of awaiting something, indicating both the act and the emotional state of the subject.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "nervously awaiting" is a grammatically correct and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys both the act of waiting and the associated anxiety. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's versatile enough for various contexts, though most common in News & Media. When using this phrase, consider the emotional tone you intend to convey and whether alternatives such as "anxiously anticipating" or "eagerly dreading" might be more suitable. Be mindful of overuse and tailor your language to the specific situation for the most impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

anxiously anticipating

Emphasizes the anxiety more strongly than "nervously awaiting".

restlessly waiting

Highlights the inability to remain still due to anxiety.

apprehensively expecting

Highlights a sense of foreboding or unease about what is coming.

on edge

Describes a state of being tense and irritable due to anticipation.

with bated breath

Implies holding one's breath in anticipation, often used in suspenseful situations.

on tenterhooks

An idiomatic expression signifying extreme nervousness and suspense.

in suspense

Focuses on the uncertainty and prolonged anticipation of an outcome.

with trepidation

Stresses a feeling of fear or anxiety about what may happen.

eagerly dreading

Combines excitement with apprehension, suggesting a mix of emotions.

concerned about the wait

Focuses on the worry associated with the period of waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "nervously awaiting" in a sentence?

You can use "nervously awaiting" to describe someone or something anticipating an event with anxiety. For example, "The students were nervously awaiting their exam results".

What phrases are similar to "nervously awaiting"?

Similar phrases include "anxiously anticipating", "apprehensively expecting", or "with bated breath". The best choice depends on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "nervously awaiting"?

While grammatically correct, using "nervously awaiting" might be inappropriate if the context doesn't involve genuine anxiety or suspense. Choose a more neutral phrase like "waiting for" if the situation lacks emotional intensity.

What is the difference between "nervously awaiting" and "eagerly awaiting"?

"Nervously awaiting" implies anxiety and apprehension, while "eagerly awaiting" suggests excitement and positive anticipation. The choice depends on the emotional tone you want to convey.