wait for a bit

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'wait for a bit' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask someone to pause or delay something for a short period of time. For example, "Can you wait for a bit while I finish up this call?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

17 human-written examples

I wait for a bit to let them get ahead of me on the path, but they're very slow walkers.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Him and David Haye, that's going to have to wait for a bit because he has to go past me now.

Independent

Perhaps, but those move will have to wait for a bit.

TechCrunch

Just be prepared to wait for a bit if you're transferring a lot of files, since the Shaker operates at USB 1.1 speeds.

TechCrunch

But if you want the very best quality your latest-generation set can provide, you might want to wait for a bit of tech briefly shown off by Panasonic - a prototype 4K Blu-Ray player.

BBC

Thankfully, the strangely high price ($299) Verizon quoted when the device appeared on a DROID teaser page was just a mistake, but any would-be upgraders would be smart to wait for a bit and weigh their options more thoroughly.

TechCrunch

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

Trump, after waiting for a bit, put the hat on.

The Washington Post

Maggie and Sedona waited for a bit, but Le Vangie wasn't budging.

The New Yorker

"My horses are fine, we've got plenty on the starting blocks, just waiting for a bit of rain.

The Guardian - Sport

They're probably just waiting for a bit more rubber to go down on the track so it is in a more representative condition.

BBC

After waiting for a bit, the Palais finally opens its doors, but just not any doors.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for a bit" when you want to politely ask someone to delay an action or decision for a short, unspecified amount of time. It's suitable for both casual and semi-formal settings.

Common error

Avoid using "wait for a bit" when a longer, more indefinite waiting period is expected. Instead, specify a clearer timeframe or use phrases like "wait for a while" or "hold off until further notice".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for a bit" primarily functions as an imperative, urging someone to delay or pause an action. The Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

6.666666666666667%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6.666666666666667%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wait for a bit" is a common and grammatically sound way to request a short delay. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and practical usability. While primarily used in neutral to informal contexts like News & Media and Wiki, it's advisable to opt for more formal alternatives, such as "delay momentarily", in professional settings. Remember that it implies a brief delay, and is not suitable when a longer waiting period is anticipated.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

just a moment

Highlights the shortness of the wait, often used politely.

hold on a moment

Emphasizes a brief pause, often used when asking someone to physically or figuratively stop.

wait a second

Indicates a very short waiting time, often implying urgency or impatience.

hang on for a second

Emphasizes a brief holding period, often used in casual conversation.

pause briefly

Highlights the act of pausing for a short duration, suitable in more formal contexts.

give it a minute

Indicates a short time frame needed for something to complete or become ready.

delay momentarily

Formally suggests a short delay, suitable for professional communication.

allow some time

Suggests permitting a period for an action or process to unfold.

hold your horses

Informally suggests patience and avoiding rushing into something.

cool your jets

Informally requests someone to calm down and be patient.

FAQs

What does "wait for a bit" mean?

The phrase "wait for a bit" means to pause or delay something for a short, unspecified amount of time. It's a polite way to ask someone to hold on briefly.

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

You can use "wait for a bit" in a sentence like this: "Could you "hold on a moment", please? I need to finish this task."

What are some alternatives to saying "wait for a bit"?

Instead of "wait for a bit", you could say "just a moment", "wait a second", or "pause briefly", depending on the context and level of formality.

Is it appropriate to use "wait for a bit" in formal writing?

While "wait for a bit" is generally acceptable, it leans towards being informal. In formal writing, consider using phrases like "delay momentarily" or "allow some time" for a more professional tone.