they were waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

"they were waiting" is a grammatically correct phrase and can be used in written English.
You can use this phrase when describing a past action or event that involved a group of people waiting for something. Example: They were waiting anxiously for the bus to arrive, as they didn't want to be late for their appointment.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

They were waiting.

The Washington Post

Maybe they were waiting to get served.

Independent

"They were waiting for some action.

The New Yorker

"They were waiting until they felt better.

The New York Times

They were waiting for a phone call.

Independent

They were waiting to be arrested.

The New Yorker

I guessed they were waiting for partners.

The New York Times - Sports

They were waiting to take his picture.

The New York Times

They were waiting for him.

The New York Times - Sports

"They were waiting for transport.

The Guardian

He asked why they were waiting.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "they were waiting", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to and what they are waiting for to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "they were waiting" without a clear antecedent for "they". Ensure the subject is explicitly defined in the preceding sentence or context to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

"They were waiting" functions as a verb phrase in the past continuous tense. It indicates an action (waiting) that was in progress at a specific time in the past. Ludwig confirms this as grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

87%

Formal & Business

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "they were waiting" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to describe a past continuous action of anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered grammatically correct, appearing commonly in news and media, as well as other contexts. When using the phrase, clarity regarding the subject "they" is crucial. Alternative phrases like "they had been expecting" or "they anticipated" can offer a more formal tone when needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

they had been expecting

Emphasizes a prior expectation.

they anticipated

Highlights the act of foreseeing and preparing for something.

they were in anticipation

Focuses on the state of excitement and expectation.

they were poised

Suggests readiness and being on the verge of action.

they were ready

Indicates a state of preparedness.

they stood by

Implies a passive waiting, often for instructions.

they were on standby

Similar to 'stood by', suggesting availability.

they kept vigil

Suggests a more solemn or watchful waiting.

they tarried

Implies a delay while waiting.

they lingered

Focuses on a prolonged period of waiting, often without a specific purpose.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "they were waiting" to sound more formal?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "they had been expecting" or "they anticipated" to convey a more formal tone.

What's a more concise way to say "they were waiting"?

If appropriate, consider using "they anticipated" or simply describing the action they were waiting for, e.g., "they awaited the results".

Is it ever incorrect to use "they were waiting"?

The phrase itself is grammatically correct, but its usage can be incorrect if the subject "they" is unclear or ambiguous. Always ensure the pronoun has a clear reference.

What's the difference between "they were waiting" and "they waited"?

"They waited" implies a completed action of waiting, while "they were waiting" suggests the waiting was ongoing at a specific point in time. The latter emphasizes the duration or process of waiting.