wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when asking someone to pause or hold on for a moment. Example: "Please wait while I fetch the documents you requested."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

But wait, what's this?

The New York Times

I met a man who sometimes lets me sleep at his house but I have to wait outside for him to come home at 10 or 11pm and I get very cold.

The Guardian

But that can wait.

The New York Times

And then, you wait.

The New York Times

But wait a minute.

The New York Times - Books

Richard Locke, a political scientist at M.I.T. who is an expert on global supply chains and the author of the new book "The Promise and Limits of Private Power," told me, "Instead of buying lots of inventory with long lead times, brands wait as long as possible before ordering".

The Economist

Earlier, a parenting campaigner named Margaret expressed a similar opinion: "If you can't provide for your child yourself, then wait 'til you can to have it.

The Guardian - Opinion

She can't wait to use it in 2006.

The Guardian

Shorten said the government should not wait for the virus to reach Australian shores before acting.

The Guardian

Viewers of its former home, BBC1, will have to wait until some time in the new year.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

For months I wait and I just don't get it.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more specific verbs like "await", "linger", or "postpone" for nuanced meanings beyond simple waiting.

Common error

Avoid using "weight" when you mean "wait". "Weight" refers to heaviness, while "wait" refers to delaying an action or event. For example, it's incorrect to say "I have to weight for the bus"; the correct phrasing is "I have to wait for the bus".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wait" is as a verb, indicating a delay or postponement of an action or event. It is frequently used in imperative sentences and declarative statements. Ludwig AI confirms that "wait" is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

98%

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "wait" functions primarily as a verb, denoting a delay or expectation. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread use. It appears very frequently across varied sources, notably in News & Media. Related phrases include "hold on", "await", and "hold back", offering semantic alternatives depending on the desired nuance. When using "wait", ensure contextual clarity regarding what or until when one is delaying an action. A common error to avoid is confusing "wait" with "weight". Overall, "wait" is a versatile and commonly used word in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Hold on

A more informal and concise way to ask someone to pause or stop.

Await

Implies expecting something with anticipation; more formal than "wait".

Hold back

Suggests restraining oneself or something else from proceeding.

Stay put

Instructs someone to remain in their current location.

Delay

To postpone an action or event to a later time.

Linger

To stay longer than necessary or expected.

Bide your time

To wait patiently for a good opportunity.

Cool your heels

An idiom meaning to wait for something patiently.

Take a break

Temporarily stop an activity.

Postpone

Defer to a later time.

FAQs

How to use "wait" in a sentence?

You can use "wait" in a sentence to indicate a delay or postponement. For example, "Please wait here until I return", or "We have to wait for the rain to stop".

What can I say instead of "wait"?

You can use alternatives like "hold on", "await", or "hold back" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "wait for" or "wait on"?

"Wait for" generally means to delay an action until something happens or someone arrives. "Wait on" typically means to serve someone, as in a restaurant. For example, "I'll wait for you" versus "The server will wait on you".

What's the difference between "wait" and "expect"?

"Wait" implies a passive delay, while "expect" suggests anticipating something with a degree of certainty. You "wait" for a bus, but you "expect" a promotion.