shall bide

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "shall bide" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in a literary or formal context to express the idea of waiting or enduring for a period of time. Example: "In times of uncertainty, we shall bide our time and wait for the right moment to act."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

He could bide his time.

Yale University

His instinct was to bide his time.

The New Yorker

He'd have to bide his time.

The New Yorker

To bide time was to think.

The New Yorker

I decided to bide my time.

The New Yorker

Layden could bide his time without pressure.

The New York Times - Sports

Idowu must bide his time longer still.

The Guardian - Sport

If I need to bide my time, I will bide my time.

Independent

Luzzi decided to bide his time.

The New York Times - Sports

But Osborne had to bide his time.

The Guardian

Mr Cameron should bide his time.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing, consider the audience and tone. "Shall bide" is more suited to formal writing than casual conversation.

Common error

Avoid using "shall bide" in everyday conversation or informal writing, as it can sound overly formal or stilted. Opt for simpler alternatives like "will wait" or "going to wait" for better clarity and naturalness.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shall bide" functions as a future tense verb phrase, indicating a planned or determined action of waiting or enduring. Examples found by Ludwig show contexts where someone decides to "bide" their time until a better opportunity arises. This conveys a deliberate choice to wait.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shall bide" is a grammatically correct phrase used to express a future intention to wait or endure. It carries a formal and somewhat literary tone, making it suitable for specific contexts. According to Ludwig, while grammatically sound, the phrase is less common in modern English compared to alternatives like "will wait". It's important to consider the audience and tone when choosing to use "shall bide", opting for simpler language in informal situations. While not frequently encountered, understanding its proper use allows for more nuanced and deliberate communication. Based on the absence of significant real-world examples, it is a rarely used expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

will wait

Replaces "shall bide" with a more common and straightforward expression of future waiting.

shall wait

A more direct synonym, using 'wait' instead of 'bide'.

will endure

Substitutes "bide" with "endure", focusing on the aspect of tolerating or withstanding something over time.

will abide

Uses 'abide' which, in this context, implies tolerating or accepting a delay.

will tarry

Replaces "bide" with "tarry", offering a slightly more archaic or formal tone.

shall hang fire

Replaces "bide" with "hang fire", which means to delay action on something.

shall linger

Substitutes "bide" with "linger", emphasizing a prolonged stay or delay.

will sit tight

An idiomatic alternative suggesting to wait patiently and take no action.

shall persevere

Emphasizes the aspect of continuing despite difficulties, similar to enduring.

will hold on

A more casual expression indicating waiting and maintaining one's position or condition.

FAQs

How can I use "shall bide" in a sentence?

You can use "shall bide" to express a formal or literary intention to wait or endure. For example, "We "shall bide" our time until the opportune moment arrives."

What can I say instead of "shall bide"?

Alternatives include "will wait", "shall wait", or "will endure", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "shall bide" commonly used in modern English?

While grammatically correct, "shall bide" is not as frequently used in contemporary English as its alternatives. It is more often found in literary or formal writing.

What is the difference between "shall bide" and "will wait"?

"Shall bide" conveys a more formal and somewhat archaic tone compared to the straightforward "will wait". The former suggests a patient and enduring approach, while the latter is a general expression of waiting.