please stand by

USAGE SUMMARY

"please stand by" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to politely tell someone to wait while you take care of something. For example: "Can you please stand by while I finish up this task?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

28 human-written examples

Please stand by".

The New Yorker

KELLY: Everyone, please, stand by.

The New Yorker

"All my fans, my supporters, please stand by me.

Independent

The motto of the conference was "Please Stand By ......

The New Yorker

Please stand by... ...... the show's official Twitter account posted this morning.

Independent

Please stand by for more amazing NFL playoff football.... Updated at 9.16pm GMT.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

32 human-written examples

Recorded voices announced to sealed-off platforms as trains passed by: "Please stand aside and let passengers off first!" All three major airports in the region -- Newark, La Guardia and Kennedy -- had permission to start to accept incoming flights yesterday evening, but only planes that had been diverted to Canada on Tuesday.

The New York Times

Please stand for the Welsh national anthem Sung by Katherine Jenkins, the thinking man's Charlotte Church.

The Guardian - Sport

Please stand.

The Washington Post

Please, stand up.

The New York Times

Corey, please stand.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "please stand by" when you need someone to wait briefly for an event or process to continue, especially in broadcasting or technical contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "please stand by" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stiff. Simpler phrases like "just a moment" or "hold on" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "please stand by" functions as an imperative interjection, used to politely instruct or request someone to wait. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and commonly used. Examples from the search results show its use in various contexts, from technical issues to broadcast announcements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

55%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "please stand by" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to politely ask someone to wait. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is appropriate in a variety of contexts, particularly in news, media, and formal settings. While versatile, remember to avoid overusing it in casual settings where simpler alternatives like "just a moment" are more fitting. The phrase functions as an imperative interjection, signaling a short delay and preparing the listener for an imminent event. Predominantly found in news and media, "please stand by" maintains a neutral to professional register, making it a reliable choice for clear and courteous communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Please wait a moment

Replaces "stand by" with a more direct request to wait.

Kindly hold on

Uses "hold on" to mean wait, with a polite tone.

Please be patient

Emphasizes the need for patience during a delay.

Stand by for further instructions

Specifies that the waiting is for more information.

Please hold the line

Specifically used when asking someone to wait on the phone.

A moment please

A shorter, more informal way to ask someone to wait.

Please prepare to wait

Highlights the expectation of a waiting period.

Just a moment

Informal and quick way to request a short wait.

Bear with me

Asks for understanding and patience during a process.

Await further notice

More formal instruction to wait until more information is provided.

FAQs

How can I use "please stand by" in a sentence?

You can use "please stand by" to politely ask someone to wait. For example, "Please stand by while we resolve this technical issue" or "The announcement will begin shortly; "please stand by"".

What are some alternatives to "please stand by"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "please wait a moment", "kindly hold on", or "please be patient".

Is "please stand by" appropriate for formal communication?

Yes, ""please stand by"" is suitable for formal communication, particularly in situations involving announcements, technical issues, or procedural delays. It's a polite and professional way to ask someone to wait.

When should I use "please stand by" versus "hold on"?

"Please stand by" is generally more formal and is often used in broadcasting or official announcements. "Hold on" is more informal and suitable for casual conversations or phone calls.