wait for

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should pause or delay action until a certain event occurs or until someone arrives. Example: "Please wait for the signal before you start the presentation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Wait for us".

The New Yorker

I'll wait for him".

The New Yorker

"Don't wait for me.

The New York Times

I wait for catastrophes.

The New York Times

Wait for January.

The New York Times - Sports

Don't wait for tomorrow.

WikiHow

Wait for someone.

WikiHow

Wait for few seconds.

WikiHow

Wait for thirty seconds.

WikiHow

Wait for the reboot.

WikiHow

Wait for any winnings.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for" when you're certain something will eventually happen. If the outcome is uncertain, consider using "see if" or "check for".

Common error

Avoid using "wait on" when you mean "wait for". "Wait on" means to serve someone, like a waiter "waits on" customers. Use "wait for" when you're expecting something to happen or someone to arrive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for" functions primarily as a verb phrase, indicating the act of delaying action or remaining in place until a specified event occurs or someone arrives. Ludwig AI validates this usage, showing its common occurrence in various contexts. For instance, "Wait for the light to change" instructs someone to postpone crossing the street until the traffic signal allows.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Wiki

71%

News & Media

23%

Science

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait for" is a very common and grammatically correct verb phrase used to indicate delaying action until a specific event or arrival. As Ludwig AI confirms, it appears frequently across diverse contexts, particularly in Wiki and News & Media. While generally neutral in register, it's important to differentiate it from "wait on", which means to serve someone. When instructing someone using "wait for", precision is key to avoid confusion. Overall, it's a versatile and essential phrase for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await

A more formal and concise synonym for "wait for", often used in written contexts.

expect

Implies a stronger sense of anticipation and confidence in the arrival or occurrence of something.

anticipate

Suggests a proactive awareness and preparation for something that is about to happen.

look forward to

Expresses a feeling of pleasure and excitement about something that will happen in the future.

hold on for

Suggests a temporary pause or delay, often used in spoken language or informal contexts.

stay put until

Implies remaining in a specific location or state until a particular event occurs.

hang tight for

An informal way of asking someone to wait patiently for a short period.

bide your time until

Advises waiting patiently for the right opportunity or moment.

mark time until

Implies passing time without making significant progress until a specific event.

sweat it out until

Suggests waiting anxiously and nervously for something to happen.

FAQs

What does "wait for" mean?

"Wait for" means to stay in one place or delay action until a particular event happens or someone arrives. For example, "wait for the bus" means to stay at the bus stop until the bus comes.

When should I use "await" instead of "wait for"?

"Await" is a more formal synonym for "wait for". Use it in formal writing or when you want to sound more sophisticated. In everyday conversation, "wait for" is perfectly acceptable.

What are some common phrases using "wait for"?

Common phrases include "wait for the light", "wait for the train", and "wait for your turn". These phrases indicate that you should delay your action until the specified event occurs.

Is it correct to say "wait on" instead of "wait for"?

The phrase "wait on" has a different meaning than "wait for". "Wait on" means to serve someone, as in "The server waits on the customers". To indicate expecting something, use "wait for".