they await

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "they await" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is waiting for something or someone else. Example: "The guests have arrived, and they await the start of the ceremony."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They await charges.

Independent

They await sentencing.

The New York Times

They await help.

The New York Times

They await the big day.

The New York Times

After the fight, they await various fates.

The New York Times

Now they await the ultimate test.

The Guardian - Sport

They await his call to record, to tour, to rehearse.

The New Yorker

But banks are nonetheless cowering as they await bad news.

The Economist

They await at Gutenberg.org and other free sites.

The New York Times - Tech

As they await surgery, their dormitories echo with giggles and girl talk.

The New York Times

Its failure could leave pilots exposed to the harsh Arctic environment as they await rescue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "they await" when you want to sound slightly more formal than "they are waiting". It adds a touch of elegance to your writing, particularly suitable for news reports, formal announcements, or literary contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "await" as a noun. "Await" is a transitive verb, meaning it requires a direct object. Instead of saying "the await is long", say "the wait is long".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "they await" functions as a verb phrase, where "they" is the subject and "await" is the transitive verb. It indicates that a group of individuals is in a state of waiting for something or someone. Ludwig confirms its proper grammatical function.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "they await" is a grammatically correct and widely used expression to indicate that a group of individuals is waiting for something or someone. While slightly more formal than its common alternative "they are waiting", it is suitable for various contexts, particularly in news, media, and general communication. Ludwig AI validates its proper grammatical structure and provides numerous real-world examples showcasing its diverse applications. When aiming for a more elevated tone in your writing, "they await" serves as a versatile and effective choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they are waiting

Uses the continuous tense of "wait" instead of the verb "await", creating a slightly more active sense of anticipation.

they are expecting

Focuses on the anticipation of something specific, emphasizing the expectation of its arrival or occurrence.

they anticipate

A more formal synonym for "await", implying a degree of planning or preparedness for what is coming.

they look forward to

Expresses a positive sentiment of eagerness and pleasure in anticipating something.

they are poised for

Suggests readiness and preparation for an imminent event or opportunity.

they stand by for

Implies a state of readiness and availability to act when called upon.

they are in expectation of

A more formal and emphatic way of saying "they are expecting".

they are on the lookout for

Implies actively watching and searching for something specific.

they are holding their breath for

Suggests a tense and anxious anticipation of something uncertain.

they are resigned to wait for

Implies acceptance of a waiting period, often with a sense of lack of control.

FAQs

How can I use "they await" in a sentence?

"They await" is used to indicate that a group of people is waiting for something. For example, "The defendants await the judge's verdict" or "The fans await the concert to begin".

What can I say instead of "they await"?

You can use alternatives like "they are waiting", "they are expecting", or "they anticipate" depending on the context.

Is "they await" formal or informal?

"They await" is generally considered more formal than "they are waiting". The level of formality depends on the context in which the phrase is used.

What is the difference between "they await" and "they expect"?

While both phrases express anticipation, "they await" implies a passive waiting, whereas "they expect" suggests a stronger degree of certainty or anticipation that something will happen.