wait for it

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait for it" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you are anticipating something or conveying suspense. For example, "The results of the experiment were shocking - wait for it - the drug was a cure for cancer!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We" — wait for it! wait for it!

The New York Times - Arts

"I can't wait for it.

The New York Times

But he will wait for it".

The New York Times - Books

wait for it… taxis.

TechCrunch

I can't wait for it now.

BBC

We can wait for it to happen".

Forbes

Just wait for it.

Vice

But wait for it..

Huffington Post

You have to wait for it".

Los Angeles Times

Wait for it to load.

WikiHow

Wait for it to download.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In informal writing or speech, you can use "wait for it" as a conversational device to engage your audience and signal that something noteworthy is coming.

Common error

Avoid using "wait for it" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Use it sparingly for maximum effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for it" primarily functions as an interjection or discourse marker. It's used to signal anticipation, suspense, or a forthcoming reveal. Ludwig AI shows many examples where it precedes a surprising or humorous statement.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Wiki

51%

News & Media

47%

Science

2%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait for it" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to create anticipation or suspense. Ludwig AI confirms its frequent use in news and media and Wiki sources. It functions as an interjection or discourse marker to engage the audience and signal an upcoming reveal. Although it is informal, it can be used in more formal contexts, but keep in mind that it could be seen as too playful. Remember to use it sparingly to avoid repetition. Consider alternatives like "stay tuned" or "get ready for this" to diversify your writing. Avoid overuse to maintain the impact and effectiveness of the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stay tuned

Commonly used to signal that more information or a reveal is coming soon, similar to "wait for it", often used in broadcasting contexts.

get ready for this

This phrase directly prepares someone for an upcoming event or revelation.

hold on a moment

This is a more literal instruction to pause, lacking the playful suspense of the original.

prepare yourself

This is a more serious or dramatic way to signal something important is about to happen.

you won't believe what's next

This teases a surprising or unbelievable revelation, increasing the sense of suspense. More emphatic.

just a second

This is another literal expression to wait briefly, without the implied anticipation.

coming soon

A simpler and more direct announcement of an impending event or reveal.

anticipation is building

This emphasizes the growing excitement or expectation, focusing on the emotional aspect.

almost there

This indicates that the anticipated moment or event is very near.

the best is yet to come

This phrase expresses a hopeful outlook for the future, implying that something positive is anticipated. More emphatic and longer.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait for it" to build suspense before a surprising or humorous statement. For example, "I have some great news – "wait for it" – I got a promotion!"

What does "wait for it" mean?

The phrase "wait for it" means to anticipate something that is about to happen or be revealed, often used to create suspense or humor.

Which is more appropriate, "wait for it" or "hold on"?

"Wait for it" is used to create anticipation, while "hold on" is a more general request to pause or wait. Use ""wait for it"" when you want to build suspense; use "hold on" for simple pauses.

What can I say instead of "wait for it"?

You can use alternatives like "stay tuned", "get ready for this", or "prepare yourself" to signal that something important is coming.