so we waited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "so we waited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a period of waiting that follows a previous action or event. Example: "The storm was approaching, so we waited inside until it passed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

So we waited.

The New Yorker

And so we waited.

The New Yorker

"So we waited until we were sure".

The New York Times

So we waited until the time was right.

The Guardian

"So we waited and waited and the foreclosure rates kept ticking up".

The New Yorker

So we waited, until the Indian official started to get a little impatient.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

And so we wait.

The Guardian - Sport

But we're not, so we wait.

The New York Times

"So we wait for a call-centre bus.

The New Yorker

So we wait for the shark to break off the interaction.

Independent

And so we wait for this increasingly tedious operetta to play itself out.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "so we waited" to clearly indicate that a period of inactivity or anticipation followed a specific event or decision. It provides a direct cause-and-effect relationship in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid starting too many sentences with "so". While grammatically correct, it can make your writing sound repetitive. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives such as "therefore", "as a result", or restructuring the sentence to avoid a leading conjunction.

Linguistic Context

"So we waited" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects a preceding action or event with the subsequent act of waiting. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used, indicating a direct causal relationship between the two actions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "so we waited" is a grammatically correct and frequently used conjunction phrase that serves to connect a prior event with a subsequent period of waiting. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. Predominantly found in News & Media and Academia contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various writing styles. When considering alternatives, options like "therefore, we paused" or "as a result, we held back" offer similar meanings with slight variations in formality. Be mindful of overusing "so" to maintain stylistic variation in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

therefore, we paused

Replaces "so" with "therefore", emphasizing a logical consequence and maintaining a similar level of formality.

as a result, we held back

Emphasizes the outcome of a previous action, shifting the focus slightly to the act of restraining oneself.

consequently, we abstained

Implies a more deliberate and often formal decision to refrain from doing something.

accordingly, we remained inactive

Formal and emphasizes compliance with a previous instruction or situation.

thus, we bided our time

More idiomatic, suggesting waiting for an opportune moment.

for that reason, we took a break

Implies a temporary suspension of activity, slightly less formal.

that's why we suspended action

More direct and casual, explicitly stating the reason for stopping.

for this reason, we delayed acting

Similar to "that's why", but slightly more formal and emphasizes postponement.

subsequently, there was a delay on our side

Emphasizes the occurrence of a delay as a consequence of other action, shifting the subject and focus.

for this reason, we stood still

Suggests a static state of waiting, possibly due to uncertainty or fear.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "so we waited" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can replace "so we waited" with phrases such as "therefore, we paused", "consequently, we abstained", or "accordingly, we remained inactive". These options provide a more sophisticated tone while maintaining a similar meaning.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "so we waited"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "so we waited", as "so" functions as a conjunction indicating a consequence or result. However, be mindful of overusing "so" at the beginning of sentences to avoid repetition. See also "therefore we waited".

What are some alternatives to "so we waited" that imply anticipation?

If you want to convey a sense of anticipation, you might consider alternatives like "thus, we bided our time" or "we waited with eager anticipation". These options add a layer of expectation and eagerness to the simple act of waiting.

How does "so we waited" differ from "and then we waited"?

"So we waited" implies a direct cause-and-effect relationship, suggesting the waiting was a direct result of a previous action or decision. "And then we waited" simply indicates a sequence of events without necessarily implying a causal connection. Therefore, "so we waited" works as a conjunction phrase while the alternative does not.