wait for a scan

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for a scan" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when instructing someone to pause or hold on until a scanning process is completed, often in contexts related to technology or medical procedures. Example: "Please wait for a scan to finish before proceeding with the next steps in the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

We have to wait for a scan.

The Guardian - Sport

John Terry has twisted his ankle and we have to wait for a scan.

BBC

Wilshere was forced off, having looked good in the first half, and he faces a familiar wait for a scan.

The Guardian - Sport

The Scottish government said the length of wait for a scan was "unacceptable".

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

Ninety-five per cent of the doctors considered it important to treat osteoporosis within a month of an osteoporotic fracture, with two-thirds having experience of patients with osteoporosis suffering fractures while waiting for a scan.

The Guardian

"He is being looked after at the regional spinal unit but as yet he is still waiting for a scan".

BBC

The study endeavoured to accurately quantify the unnecessary time spent by patients in hospital by excluding delays that did not ultimately influence the LOS, e.g. delays waiting for a scan whilst receiving treatment for an infection may not influence LOS.

BMC Health Services Research

But I was not aware that I was having that [injection].. but I was just saying to the receptionist I was waiting for a scan on my shoulder you know… so I was not quite sure what I came up for.

BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders

When moving always think about how the enemy(s) eyes can see, move slowly, crawl on your stomach, move only when the wind blows, stop every few feet and wait for a second, scan the area.

WikiHow

Scan UPC codes for price comparisons on the go, but wait for an update for improved scanning and database.

TechCrunch

That sold the hospitals off to their friends' companies bit by bit, so my pregnant friend who contracted cancer had to wait ages for a scan to locate the tumour because it was tricky to make a booking with the private company who owned the MRI machines.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wait for a scan" in medical contexts, clarify the type of scan to avoid ambiguity (e.g., "wait for an MRI scan").

Common error

Avoid excessive use of "wait for a scan" in technical manuals; instead, provide specific time estimates or progress indicators to enhance user experience.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for a scan" functions primarily as a verb phrase indicating the act of delaying action until a scanning process is completed. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and usable. The examples provided showcase its use in medical and technical contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Science

24%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

7%

Social Media

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wait for a scan" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a period of anticipation before a scanning process. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's suitable for both medical and technical contexts. Its frequency is notable across news, scientific, and general instructional sources. When using this phrase, clarity regarding the scan type can enhance understanding, and care should be taken to avoid overuse in highly technical documentation. Alternatives like "await a scan" or "pause for a scan" offer stylistic variations while maintaining semantic equivalence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await a scan

Replaces "wait" with "await", maintaining a formal tone.

hold off for a scan

Uses "hold off" to convey delaying action until the scan is performed.

pause for a scan

Suggests a temporary stop until the scan is completed.

expect a scan

Focuses on the expectation of the scan rather than the waiting period.

anticipate a scan

Similar to "expect", but with a slightly more formal connotation.

cool your heels for a scan

An idiomatic expression meaning to wait patiently.

bide your time for a scan

Suggests waiting strategically until the scan is available.

be patient for a scan

Emphasizes the need for patience while waiting.

sit tight for a scan

Informal way of saying to wait and remain in the same position or situation.

hang fire for a scan

Another informal expression meaning to delay action.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait for a scan" to indicate a period of anticipation before a medical or technical scanning process. For example, "We need to "wait for a scan" to determine the extent of the injury".

What are some alternatives to "wait for a scan"?

Alternatives include "await a scan", "hold off for a scan", or "pause for a scan", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it better to say "waiting for a scan" or "wait for a scan"?

"Waiting for a scan" is a continuous form emphasizing the ongoing process of waiting. "Wait for a scan" is an imperative or a general statement about needing to wait. The choice depends on the specific context.

In what situations is it appropriate to use the phrase "wait for a scan"?

It's appropriate in medical settings when discussing diagnostic imaging, or in technical contexts when referring to a system or file scan. For instance, "The doctor said we have to "wait for a scan" to see if there's any damage", or "Please "wait for a scan" to complete before removing the USB drive".