wait for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait for someone" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when you are expecting someone to arrive or when you are waiting for another person to complete a task. Example sentence: I'm waiting for someone to bring me the food I ordered.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't wait for someone else to leave.

The Washington Post

Don't wait for someone to call you".

The New York Times

"And you wait for someone to come there.

The New Yorker

And did we just wait for someone else to help?

The Economist

He doesn't wait for someone to ask for a service.

The New York Times

"Then you wait for someone to need it.

The New York Times

The design process does not necessarily stop in order to wait for someone to model the structural concept and give feedback before the design changes.

Motor Vehicle Structures Concepts and Fundamentals

A lot of doctors wait for someone to bring it up".

The New York Times

He added, "We're not going to wait for someone to give us rockets.

The New Yorker

This increases the incentive to wait for someone else to act.

The Economist

Be resilient, be independent, don't give up and wait for someone else to carry you.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for someone" when you are referring to a specific person whose arrival or action is anticipated. For instance, "I will wait for someone to open the door."

Common error

Don't solely "wait for someone" without taking initiative if possible. Consider whether you can proactively address the situation while waiting, instead of remaining entirely passive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for someone" functions primarily as a directive or descriptive element within a sentence. Ludwig AI indicates that it is correct and usable, suggesting its role in conveying expectations or instructions. This function is consistently observed across various examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

31%

Wiki

28%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Reference

4%

Encyclopedias

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "wait for someone" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression in English. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness, indicating its widespread applicability in various contexts. It primarily functions to direct or describe the action of expecting a person's arrival or action. The phrase is found across a range of sources, from news media and scientific publications to wikis, exhibiting a neutral level of formality. When using "wait for someone", consider whether proactive measures can be taken while waiting and ensure that the context aligns with the intended meaning of anticipating a specific person.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

patiently wait for someone

Adds emphasis on the manner of waiting.

await someone's arrival

Replaces "wait" with "await" and specifies the expected event.

expect someone to appear

Focuses on the expectation of someone's presence.

anticipate someone's coming

A more formal way of expressing expectation.

look out for someone

Implies vigilance while waiting.

be on the lookout for someone

Similar to 'look out for', but more formal.

stay put for someone

Highlights remaining in place until someone arrives.

hold on for someone

Emphasizes enduring the waiting period.

be ready for someone

Highlights preparedness upon someone's arrival.

bide your time for someone

Highlights waiting for the opportune moment related to someone.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait for someone" to describe expecting a person's arrival or action. For example, "Please "wait for someone" to assist you before proceeding."

What are some alternatives to "wait for someone"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "await someone", "expect someone", or "look out for someone".

Is it better to "wait for someone" or take initiative?

It depends on the situation. Sometimes, it's necessary to ""wait for someone"" with expertise or authority. Other times, taking initiative might be more efficient.

What's the difference between "wait for someone" and "wait on someone"?

"Wait for someone" means to anticipate their arrival or action. "Wait on someone" means to serve them, such as in a restaurant.