wait for catastrophes

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for catastrophes" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is anticipating or preparing for disasters or significant negative events. Example: "In times of uncertainty, some people choose to wait for catastrophes before taking action to protect their interests."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

I wait for catastrophes.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

So defeated I went back to my table, where Hiro was waiting for catastrophe.

Vice

Typically, we have seen Americans unite when a catastrophe occurs, but we should not wait for calamity this time around.

Huffington Post

There is no reason to wait for a catastrophe to build such a system.

The New York Times

Why do we have to wait for a catastrophe before we implement basic safety procedures?

The New York Times

Why did we have to wait for a catastrophe before we recognised the truth of that perception?

The Guardian - Opinion

A number of towns in south Florida are already beginning to make the investment, calculating that it would be cheaper to put in defences against rising seas now than wait for a catastrophe.

The Guardian

"Do we have to wait for the next catastrophe, or can we try to prevent it?" asked Klarsfeld, citing passages in the European convention "in time of war", and prime minister Valls' invocation of "war" before Friday the 13th.

The Guardian

The world shouldn't wait for the next catastrophe before deciding this.

Los Angeles Times

We need not wait for a major catastrophe to hit our favorite break to imagine what devastation might ensue; there are heartbreaking reminders coming out of the Gulf of Mexico every day since the spill.

Huffington Post

But LA isn't just idly waiting for the catastrophe.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for catastrophes" when you want to emphasize a passive anticipation of negative events rather than proactive prevention or mitigation.

Common error

Avoid using "wait for catastrophes" when a more proactive stance is required. Instead of passively waiting, consider phrases like "mitigate risks" or "implement preventative measures" to convey a sense of control and action.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for catastrophes" functions primarily as a verbal phrase often used to describe inaction or passive acceptance in the face of potential disasters. As seen in Ludwig, the phrase typically appears in contexts where preventative measures could be taken but are not.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

30%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wait for catastrophes" is used to express the concept of passively anticipating negative events without taking preventative action. Ludwig AI analysis indicates that this phrase is grammatically correct and functions as a verbal phrase, frequently appearing in news and media, as well as scientific contexts, often with a neutral register. While not exceedingly common, its usage serves to criticize or highlight a lack of proactive measures. It's advisable to use this phrase judiciously, considering alternative expressions like "anticipate disasters" or "prepare for calamities" when a more proactive tone is needed.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await the crisis

Similar to the original phrase, this emphasizes the act of waiting, but specifically for a crisis.

anticipate disasters

This phrase is a more direct and proactive alternative, focusing on expecting disasters rather than passively waiting.

await misfortune

Similar to "await the crisis", but focusing on a broader sense of misfortune rather than a specific crisis.

prepare for calamities

Similar to "anticipate disasters", this suggests readiness for severe events, shifting the focus to preparedness.

brace for impact

This phrase suggests preparing oneself for the negative consequences of an impending event, often a crisis.

expect the worst

This is a more general phrase, indicating a pessimistic outlook but not necessarily related to specific catastrophes.

count on adversity

Suggests an expectation that difficult or unpleasant situations will arise, almost a resignation to hardship.

foresee troubles

This highlights the ability to see potential problems in advance, implying a degree of foresight.

expect tribulation

Focuses on the anticipation of suffering or hardship, often with a religious or moral overtone.

look forward to disaster

This phrase carries a negative connotation, implying a twisted enjoyment or inevitability of disaster.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait for catastrophes" to describe a situation where people are doing nothing to prevent bad things from happening, as in, "Instead of addressing climate change, some seem content to "wait for catastrophes" to demonstrate the severity of the problem."

What are some alternatives to "wait for catastrophes"?

Alternatives include "anticipate disasters", "prepare for calamities", or "expect the worst", depending on the context and the level of proactivity or pessimism you wish to convey.

Is it better to "wait for catastrophes" or to try and prevent them?

While "wait for catastrophes" describes a passive acceptance, it is generally more advisable to take proactive measures to prevent or mitigate disasters. Prevention strategies are usually more effective and less costly in the long run.

What does it mean to "wait for catastrophes"?

"Wait for catastrophes" means to do nothing to prevent bad events from happening, essentially accepting that they will occur and not taking any action to avoid them. It often implies a lack of foresight or a sense of helplessness.