on the waiting list for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "on the waiting list for" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone is waiting for a spot or opportunity that is currently unavailable, such as in a queue for a service or event. Example: "I have signed up on the waiting list for the concert, hoping to get a ticket if any become available."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He was put on the waiting list for entry-level police and firefighter positions.

The New York Times - Sports

Megan would be put on the waiting list for a heart.

The New York Times - Science

Would you like to be put on the waiting list for ________ (months) from now.

HuffPost

I do not think Amelia should be put on the waiting list for a transplant.

HuffPost

If anyone knows someone on the waiting list for one, let me know," it read.

Huffington Post

In one case, a person in Thurrock has been on the waiting list for 57 years.

BBC

Design: The survery included 240 patients placed on the waiting list for coronary artery bypass grafting at one hospital.

Heart & Lung: The Journal of Acute and Critical Care

About 23,000 families are on the waiting list for a council home.

The Economist

So they sued to put her on the waiting list for adult lungs.

The Economist

Save that for your nails, and get on the waiting list for Chanel's latest "Vertigo" hue.

Independent

Being on the waiting list for a lung transplant is scary.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "on the waiting list for", ensure the context clearly indicates what the person or entity is waiting for. Be specific about the item, service, or opportunity.

Common error

Avoid using incorrect prepositions with "waiting list". The correct preposition is "for". For example, it is incorrect to say "on the waiting list of" or "on the waiting list to".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "on the waiting list for" functions as a prepositional phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of anticipation or pending status. It describes the condition of being registered and waiting for something that is not immediately available. Ludwig confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "on the waiting list for" is a commonly used and grammatically sound prepositional phrase that describes a state of anticipation for a desired item, service, or opportunity. Ludwig confirms this with numerous examples from diverse sources, primarily in news and media, indicating its widespread acceptance and neutral register. When using this phrase, it's crucial to specify what is being waited for and to avoid incorrect prepositions. For alternative expressions, consider phrases like "awaiting placement on the list for" or "in the queue for".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting placement on the list for

Emphasizes the act of waiting to be officially added to the list.

in the queue for

Replaces "waiting list" with the more general term "queue", indicating a line or sequence.

waiting for a spot in

Focuses on the desire for an opening or availability within something.

waiting for inclusion in

Highlights the anticipation of being included or incorporated into something.

waiting for admission to

Specifically refers to waiting for acceptance or entry into a program or institution.

pending acceptance for

Emphasizes the uncertainty of acceptance while still being in a state of waiting.

in line for

Uses a more informal expression to indicate waiting in a sequence.

hoping for a place in

Expresses a desire and anticipation for securing a position or spot.

registered for

Implies a formal registration process, with the understanding that placement is not immediate.

applied and awaiting response for

Highlights both the application process and the subsequent waiting period for a response.

FAQs

What does it mean to be "on the waiting list for" something?

Being "on the waiting list for" something means you have requested or applied for something that is currently unavailable, and you are waiting for an opportunity to receive it when it becomes available. This could be for anything from housing to medical procedures.

What can I say instead of "on the waiting list for"?

You can use alternatives like "awaiting placement on the list for", "in the queue for", or "waiting for a spot in" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "in the waiting list" instead of "on the waiting list"?

No, the correct phrase is "on the waiting list". Saying "in the waiting list" is grammatically incorrect.

How long do people typically stay "on the waiting list for" organ transplants?

The time people spend "on the waiting list for" organ transplants varies greatly depending on factors such as organ type, blood type, tissue match, and the availability of donors. Some may wait days, while others wait months or years.