wait for a few seconds

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for a few seconds" is grammatically correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use this sentence in a set of instructions: "Press the button, then wait for a few seconds for the light to turn off."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

Push back the lever and wait for a few seconds.

WikiHow

When you reach ten, wait for a few seconds.

WikiHow

Instead, sit next to him and wait for a few seconds.

WikiHow

Wait for a few seconds for the short pop-up ad to play.

WikiHow

Plug your USB cable to your PC, then wait for a few seconds (5-10).

WikiHow

Wait for a few seconds for the glitters to "sink" in, then blow or shake off the excess glitters.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Another window will pop up, but you need to wait for a few second.

WikiHow

Say, "We really could use a guys opinion... ...... after waiting for a few seconds, then, when you have eye contact with him, say, "Hey do you think you could help us?" If he says no, then just walk away and ask someone else!!

WikiHow

Sometimes you can afford to wait for a few a seconds or even a couple of minutes for a query to return an answer and sometimes you just need it now because it's that important.

TechCrunch

In it, she suggests a protocol for entering the house: visitors should "ring the bell, then when I answer the door, I'll open it slightly and then they should wait outside for a few seconds before pushing it open and coming in, so that I have time to get out of the hall".

The New Yorker

The best thing is that unlike regular nail polish, this stuff washes off your skin instantly, so you can be as messy as you like – but wait for a few minutes for the polish to dry first.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When providing instructions, use "wait for a few seconds" to clearly indicate a short pause is needed before proceeding to the next step. This helps ensure the user allows adequate time for a process to complete.

Common error

Avoid using phrases like "wait indefinitely" when "wait for a few seconds" is sufficient. Overstating the pause can lead to user frustration and a perception that the process is taking longer than necessary.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for a few seconds" functions as an instructional directive, commonly used to indicate a brief pause. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show its application in various instructional contexts, from filling fountain pens to using software.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

47%

News & Media

23%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

6%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait for a few seconds" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase for indicating a brief pause. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and showcases its frequent use across various contexts, especially in providing instructions. While it maintains a neutral register, it's essential to consider context when choosing alternatives to ensure clarity and appropriateness. The primary function is to instruct readers to pause briefly, allowing for adequate timing in a sequence of actions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pause briefly

Replaces "wait for a few seconds" with a more concise instruction, emphasizing the brevity of the pause.

hold on momentarily

Uses "hold on" to indicate a pause, adding "momentarily" to specify a short duration.

delay for a short time

Substitutes "wait" with "delay" and clarifies the duration with "for a short time".

take a brief pause

Emphasizes the act of pausing and specifies it as "brief".

rest for a moment

Replaces "wait" with "rest", suggesting a very short period of inactivity.

linger briefly

Suggests a slight hesitation, replacing "wait" with "linger" to imply a more subtle delay.

tarry for an instant

Uses "tarry" to mean delay, and "instant" to emphasize a very short duration.

hesitate briefly

Focuses on the act of hesitating, indicating a short pause before proceeding.

suspend briefly

Replaces "wait" with "suspend", suggesting a temporary halt in activity.

desist for a little

Implies stopping some action for a limited duration of time. Offers a slightly different semantic nuance compared to the original phrase.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "wait for a few seconds" in a more formal context?

In more formal settings, consider using phrases like "pause briefly" or "allow a short delay" instead of "wait for a few seconds".

What is the difference between "wait for a few seconds" and "wait a moment"?

"Wait a moment" implies a slightly shorter duration than "wait for a few seconds", though the difference is often negligible and context-dependent.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wait for seconds" instead of "wait for a few seconds"?

While "wait for seconds" is technically understandable, it's less common and idiomatic than "wait for a few seconds", which is the preferred form.

What are some situations where I should avoid using "wait for a few seconds"?

Avoid using "wait for a few seconds" in time-sensitive or critical scenarios where even a short delay is unacceptable. In such cases, precise timing instructions or immediate actions are more appropriate.