Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
please wait until it finishes
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The sentence "Please wait until it finishes" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when asking someone to wait for something to be completed. For example, you could say: "Please wait until the download finishes before you try to open the file."
✓ Grammatically correct
Alternative expressions(19)
kindly wait for it to be completed
allow it to finish before proceeding
before continuing
prior to proceeding
after this preparation
subsequent to this step
following this action
on the condition that
once this is complete
provided that
only then
but first
before continuing to the following action
before proceeding to the next step
before we move on
before we continue
and then paused
and then stopped
previous to continuing
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
59 human-written examples
Virtual Dub will start to process your video, wait until it finish.
Wiki
Click the install button, wait until it finished, then choose the option "restart now".
Wiki
When I am finished talking, you may say what you were going to say, but please wait until I am finished".
Wiki
" The resident says throughout the activity, can you please wait until I am finished, I am not done yet.
Science
(Excerpt from field notes, bedside activities, team six, day three) " The resident says throughout the activity, can you please wait until I am finished, I am not done yet.
Science
Camellias are best moved in autumn, so take your chances: if possible wait until it finishes flowering.
News & Media
Wait until it finishes.
Wiki
"I told her 'Girl, you're going to be big later on, but please wait until I'm gone with it," Petkovic recounted with a laugh.
News & Media
So please wait until the drugs wear off.
News & Media
Wait until its finished.
Wiki
Wait until it's finished in January and the tab will be $12.95 million.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When giving instructions, follow the phrase "please wait until it finishes" with a specific action the user should take next, to provide clear guidance.
Common error
Avoid constructions like "Please wait until it is finished by the system". Prefer the active voice: "Please wait until it finishes" for clearer and more direct communication.
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "please wait until it finishes" primarily functions as an imperative, urging the listener to postpone action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, indicating its acceptability in standard English.
Frequent in
Science
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News & Media
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Formal & Business
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Less common in
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Ludwig's WRAP-UP
The phrase "please wait until it finishes" is a polite imperative used to ask someone to be patient until a task or process is complete. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. While examples are currently missing, the phrase itself is versatile enough to fit various contexts, generally maintaining a neutral register. Related phrases offer options for adjusting the level of formality. When using the phrase, it's best to follow up with specific instructions or actions to clarify what the user should do next. Avoid passive voice constructions for a more direct and clear message.
More alternative expressions(10)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
could you please wait until it is over
Emphasizes politeness with "could you please" and simplifies "finishes" to "is over".
please hold on until it's done
Replaces "finishes" with "done" for a more casual tone and uses the phrasal verb "hold on".
hold off until it is finished
This alternative uses the phrasal verb "hold off", which implies delaying an action until something else is completed.
kindly wait for it to be completed
Adds a formal tone by using "kindly" and "be completed" instead of "finishes".
allow it to finish before proceeding
More formal and instructive, suggesting a process that should not be interrupted.
wait for its completion
This is a more formal and concise way of saying the same thing, using the noun form "completion".
exercise patience until it wraps up
The term "wraps up" adds an informal tone, suggesting a casual end to the process.
defer action until it concludes
Uses more formal vocabulary like "defer" and "concludes" indicating a more sophisticated register.
refrain from acting until it is complete
A more formal and cautionary instruction to avoid taking action prematurely.
await its termination
This is a highly formal option, employing "await" and "termination" to indicate a definitive end.
FAQs
What does "please wait until it finishes" mean?
The phrase "please wait until it finishes" is a polite way of asking someone to be patient and allow a process, task, or event to reach its completion before proceeding or taking further action.
What can I say instead of "please wait until it finishes"?
You can use alternatives like "please hold on until it's done", "kindly wait for it to be completed", or "allow it to finish before proceeding" depending on the context and level of formality.
Is it correct to say "please wait until it is finished"?
Yes, "please wait until it is finished" is grammatically correct and very similar in meaning. The version without "is" is slightly more concise.
How can I use "please wait until it finishes" in a sentence?
You can use it in various contexts, such as: "Please wait until it finishes downloading before opening the file", or "Please wait until it finishes processing before submitting another request".
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
78%
Authority and reliability
4.1/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested