wait a little bit

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait a little bit" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you need someone to pause for a short amount of time instead of acting right away. For example, "Wait a little bit before you decide so that you can think it through."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

"Now we need to wait a little bit.

The New York Times

We have clubs asking about Sissoko but we have to wait a little bit.

The Guardian - Sport

We know there are needs, but we are going to have to wait a little bit".

The New York Times

"If anyone believes you can rely on the Seneca vote, you better wait a little bit".

The New York Times

If I have to wait a little bit longer for it to be done the right way, so be it".

The Guardian

He still has some pain in his muscle, so it's better to wait a little bit more.

The Guardian - Sport

"We had to wait a little bit, but now he's enjoying being part of a good team.

The Guardian - Sport

It was actually good that we had to wait a little bit because I was really shaking, because I could imagine and it was not so nice.

The Guardian - Sport

"If I were an advertiser, I'd be asking 'Why should I make commitments now rather than wait a little bit?' " he added.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

2 human-written examples

Once the ears are injected, farmers wait--a little bit like artificial insemination--to see if it "took".

Huffington Post

My fianc��e is the cause because when I was about to get the first vaccination, I described to him.he kept on saying: 'wait a little bit, I have to think critically and then I will let you know'.

Plosone

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal contexts, consider using a more sophisticated phrase like "delay briefly" or "pause momentarily" for a more polished tone.

Common error

While "wait a little bit" is perfectly acceptable in casual conversation, it may sound too informal in professional or academic settings. Opt for phrases such as "delay briefly" or "allow a short pause" for a more suitable tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait a little bit" functions as an imperative, directly instructing someone to pause or delay an action. Ludwig confirms this phrase is usable in written english, as demostrated by the large number of real-world examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Wiki

23%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait a little bit" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to request a temporary pause. As Ludwig illustrates, it is very common in news and media, as well as general contexts, though perhaps less appropriate for formal or business communications. While Ludwig confirms the phrase's general correctness and usability, it's crucial to consider your audience and choose a phrase that suits the context. Using alternatives such as "hold on a moment" or "delay briefly" may be beneficial in professional settings. Remember, tailoring your language to the specific situation is key for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold on for a moment

Suggests a brief pause, often used when asking someone to stop what they are doing.

hang on a second

An informal way to ask someone to wait, often used when you need a very short amount of time.

pause briefly

Emphasizes a short interruption in an ongoing activity or process.

delay briefly

Highlights postponing an action or decision for a short time.

give it a minute

Suggests waiting to allow something to happen or become ready.

be patient for a moment

Encourages someone to wait calmly and without complaint.

stay put for a while

Implies remaining in the same place while waiting.

tarry a while

This is a more old-fashioned, literary way of saying to wait for a short time.

rest for a short period

Suggests waiting while also taking a break or moment of respite.

hold your horses

An idiom that tells someone to slow down and wait.

FAQs

How can I use "wait a little bit" in a sentence?

You can use "wait a little bit" to ask someone to pause an action. For example, "Wait a little bit before you respond to the email, and think about what you want to say".

What are some alternatives to "wait a little bit"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "hold on a moment", "pause briefly", or "delay briefly" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "wait a little bit" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "wait a little bit" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, consider using alternatives like "allow a short pause" or "delay briefly" for a more professional tone.

What's the difference between "wait a little bit" and "wait a moment"?

While both phrases ask someone to pause, "wait a little bit" can imply a slightly longer or indefinite period of waiting compared to "wait a moment", which suggests a very short pause.