perhaps waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "perhaps waiting" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to suggest a possibility of someone or something being in a state of waiting or anticipation. Example: "She sat quietly, perhaps waiting for a sign to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

31 human-written examples

Dolphins were there, perhaps waiting for a change of tide.

The New York Times

Portions of the area resemble a ghost town, rotting – or perhaps waiting.

The Guardian

Hedge funds have emerged to hold some of the more exotic risks, perhaps waiting for markets to develop.

The Economist

In the recent turmoil in the streets, the Brothers kept a noticeably low profile, perhaps waiting to see how things would unfold.

The Economist

Pie had been lurking below the radar in recent years: taking cover during the ice cream trend, perhaps waiting to see which way the macaron tide would turn.

The New York Times - Food

The Ministry of Finance is steering clear of the whole furore, perhaps waiting for a chance to take control of the banking agenda.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

29 human-written examples

Perhaps wait a while then go.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Not very exciting, but a necessary grounding which made me think at times that I had perhaps waited too long to do an MBA.

The Economist

You may have a barefoot-luxury holiday planned, but could you perhaps wait until you can bury your toes in the sand?

Independent

Or perhaps wait for Christie's sale of Elizabeth Taylor's wardrobe and jewels in New York in December for the ultimate vintage gifts.

The New York Times

But when the team prospered in December, Williams said they urged him to take his time and perhaps wait until next season to play.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "perhaps waiting" to introduce uncertainty or speculation about someone's or something's state of anticipation. It softens the assertion and indicates a degree of possibility rather than certainty.

Common error

Avoid using "perhaps waiting" excessively in formal or academic writing where a more direct and assertive tone is preferred. Consider stronger alternatives like "undoubtedly expecting" or "certainly anticipating" for increased impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "perhaps waiting" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb. It indicates a possibility or speculation regarding the action of waiting. As noted by Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable in written English, suggesting a state of anticipation.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "perhaps waiting" is a commonly used phrase to express uncertainty or speculation about someone's or something's state of anticipation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in diverse contexts. It functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb and softening the assertion. While the phrase is generally neutral in register, it's most frequently found in News & Media. When writing, use "perhaps waiting" to introduce a degree of uncertainty, but consider stronger alternatives in formal contexts. The phrase is correct but do not overuse it!

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

potentially awaiting

Replaces "perhaps" with "potentially" and "waiting" with "awaiting", which implies a slightly more formal and passive anticipation.

possibly anticipating

Replaces "perhaps" with "possibly" and "waiting" with "anticipating", indicating a slightly more formal tone.

potentially in expectation

A more verbose alternative, emphasizing the expectation aspect of the waiting.

maybe expecting

Substitutes "perhaps" with "maybe" and "waiting" with "expecting", creating a more casual and less formal expression.

in a state of anticipation

Replaces the entire phrase with a more descriptive and formal expression, focusing on the feeling of anticipation.

perhaps in standby

Implies a state of readiness or preparedness while waiting.

conceivably delaying

Shifts the focus to the act of delaying, suggesting that the waiting is intentional and strategic.

possibly biding time

Implies a strategic element to the waiting, suggesting someone is waiting for an opportune moment.

tentatively pausing

Emphasizes the temporary nature of the waiting, suggesting a hesitant or uncertain pause.

maybe on hold

Suggests a temporary suspension or postponement, with a casual tone.

FAQs

How can I use "perhaps waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "perhaps waiting" to express uncertainty about someone's anticipation or delay. For instance, "The Ministry of Finance is steering clear of the whole furore, "perhaps waiting" for a chance to take control of the banking agenda."

What are some alternatives to "perhaps waiting"?

Alternatives to "perhaps waiting" include "possibly anticipating", "maybe expecting", or "potentially awaiting". The best choice depends on the desired level of formality and nuance.

Is it correct to say "maybe waiting" instead of "perhaps waiting"?

"Maybe waiting" and "perhaps waiting" are both grammatically acceptable. However, "perhaps waiting" is generally considered more formal than "maybe waiting".

What's the difference between "perhaps waiting" and "certainly waiting"?

"Perhaps waiting" indicates uncertainty or speculation, while "certainly waiting" implies a high degree of confidence that someone is in a state of anticipation or delay. The choice depends on the level of certainty you want to convey.