wait expectantly

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait expectantly" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation where someone is eagerly anticipating something. Example: "She sat in the waiting room, waiting expectantly for the doctor to call her name." Alternative expressions include "wait eagerly" and "wait with anticipation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

We wait expectantly.

The Guardian - Music

I began to wait expectantly for these beeps from the young journalist who had renounced his work.

The Guardian

Nor does the country wait expectantly on other matters to see what the London mayor does or doesn't do.

The Guardian

We wait expectantly for this celebrated young writer's talents to be displayed and tested in a full-length, major professional production.

The Guardian

They follow her onto the couch and wait expectantly, almost shyly, for her to deliver something: a story, a song, a gaze.

The New York Times - Magazine

There is an etiquette in political exchanges, which Kagan seems aware of: we make a gesture, we wait expectantly, and demand a certain grace — even when it might be more useful to disrupt it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

The crowd waits expectantly.

Independent

The room waited expectantly.

The New York Times

My mother waits expectantly.

The New York Times

I waited expectantly for the coming tsunami.

The New York Times

They were taken deep into the bush and waited expectantly.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait expectantly" when you want to convey a sense of hopeful anticipation, emphasizing both the act of waiting and the expectation of something positive. It adds a touch of formality and anticipation to your writing.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "wait expectantly" can sound overly formal or stilted in casual conversation. Opt for phrases like "look forward to it" or "can't wait" in informal settings for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait expectantly" functions primarily as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe how someone is waiting. It adds detail about the manner of waiting, indicating anticipation and eagerness. This aligns with Ludwig AI's assessment of its correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Wiki

7%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait expectantly" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed phrase, particularly within the realm of news and media. Ludwig AI affirms its correctness and usability. Its primary function is to act as an adverbial phrase, enriching the description of waiting with a hopeful and eager anticipation. While generally neutral in register, it tends towards formality, making it ideal for polished writing. For less formal communication, alternatives like "look forward to it" or "can't wait" might be more suitable. Understanding its nuances ensures effective and contextually appropriate usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await eagerly

Emphasizes the eagerness of the waiting, making it slightly more intense than "wait expectantly".

await with eagerness

Similar to "await eagerly" but slightly more formal.

wait with anticipation

Directly expresses the feeling of anticipation associated with waiting.

anticipate keenly

Highlights the feeling of anticipation and excitement about something that is about to happen.

look forward to

A common and versatile phrase for expressing positive anticipation, although it doesn't emphasize the act of waiting as much.

expect with bated breath

Implies a high level of excitement or anxiety while waiting, suggesting a more dramatic anticipation.

watch keenly

Focuses on the act of observing with great interest and anticipation.

remain in suspense

Highlights the uncertainty and excitement of the waiting period.

be on tenterhooks

Suggests a state of nervous anticipation, implying some level of anxiety.

be all ears

Indicates attentiveness and eagerness to hear something, often implying a sense of anticipation.

FAQs

How can I use "wait expectantly" in a sentence?

You can use "wait expectantly" to describe someone eagerly anticipating an event or outcome. For example, "The children /s/waited+expectantly for Santa's arrival".

What can I say instead of "wait expectantly"?

You can use alternatives like "await eagerly", "look forward to", or "anticipate keenly" depending on the context.

Is "wait expectantly" formal or informal?

"Wait expectantly" leans toward the formal side. In informal situations, simpler phrases like "look forward to it" or "can't wait" might be more appropriate.

What's the difference between "wait expectantly" and "wait patiently"?

"Wait expectantly" implies a hopeful anticipation and eagerness, while "wait patiently" suggests calmly enduring a delay without complaint. The former focuses on positive anticipation, the latter on stoic endurance.