wait for the documents

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for the documents" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when instructing someone to hold off on taking action until certain documents are received or available. Example: "Please wait for the documents before proceeding with the next steps in the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Cordray says borrowers don't have to wait for the documents to become officially available.

The New York Times

Put another way: if someone today had the Pentagon Papers, or the modern equivalent, would he still go to the press, as Daniel Ellsberg did nearly 40 years ago, and wait for the documents to be analyzed and published?

The New York Times

Because FedEx had access to its own planes the business "did not have to wait for the documents to be placed on passenger airlines," he added.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

Court officials will need to wait for the document and review it before moving forward with the case.

The Guardian

He is still waiting for the documents, but he recently got one of many "lovely letters" that explain how the Department of Education is still working on his request.

The New York Times

When he encounters Black Widow, the two face off and slug it out in the dark while Fury waits for the documents he's stealing to complete their download.

Vice

Waiting for the document, Sunhi crosses paths with two other filmmakers from her past — Jaehak, who is living apart from his wife, and Munsu, a former lover whom she accuses of exploiting their love story in his low-budget movie — who join the professor in avowing their passion for her.

The New Yorker

Waiting for the document, Sunhi crosses paths with two other filmmakers from her past Jaehak, who is living apart from his wife, and Munsu, a former lover whom she accuses of exploiting their love story in his low-budget movie who join the professor in avowing their passion for her.

The New Yorker

Scientists have been waiting for the document ever since an initial $50 million was distributed hastily, beginning in June 2010, to four gulf state consortia and the National Institutes of Health.

Science Magazine

And we were waiting for the document to come back so we could read it..

Huffington Post

We have to wait for the final document before we can sign it".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "wait for the documents", ensure clarity about which specific documents are being awaited to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "wait for the legal documents" or "wait for the financial documents".

Common error

Avoid assuming "wait for the documents" implies a lack of urgency. Sometimes, waiting is crucial for accuracy and compliance, so ensure you understand why the wait is necessary before rushing the process.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for the documents" serves as an imperative construction, primarily used to instruct or advise someone to delay action until specific documents are available. As Ludwig confirms, the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Wiki

28%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

4%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wait for the documents" is a common and grammatically correct instruction to delay action until specific documents are available. Ludwig confirms its general acceptability in written English. It finds frequent use in news reports, instructions, and formal communications, signaling the necessity of patience and adherence to protocol. Consider using alternatives like "await the documents" for a more formal tone or "hold off until the documents arrive" to emphasize postponement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await the documents

Formally replaces "wait" with "await", implying a slightly more patient or formal anticipation.

hold off until the documents arrive

Emphasizes the need to postpone action until the documents are received.

delay action pending receipt of documents

Highlights the postponement of action due to the expected arrival of documents, suitable in formal context.

postpone until the documents are available

Shifts focus to the availability of the documents as the condition for proceeding.

refrain from acting before the documents are in hand

Stresses caution and the importance of having the documents physically or digitally before acting.

hold your horses until the documents are ready

Informal alternative to advise patience until documents are prepared.

exercise patience while the documents are processed

Highlights patience as a necessary virtue in any bureaucratic process.

take a break while the documents are being prepared

Suggests an active period of rest while the documents are being created or gathered.

sit tight until the documents are finalized

Urges someone to remain in place and wait patiently for the document's approval.

stand by for the documents

Suggests being prepared and ready to act once the documents are provided.

FAQs

How can I use "wait for the documents" in a sentence?

You can use "wait for the documents" when instructing someone to hold off on taking action until certain documents are received or available. For example: "Please "wait for the documents" before proceeding with the next steps in the process."

What's a more formal way to say "wait for the documents"?

A more formal alternative to "wait for the documents" is "await the documents", which implies a slightly more patient or formal anticipation.

Is it correct to say "waiting on the documents" instead of "wait for the documents"?

While "waiting on" is sometimes used colloquially, ""wait for the documents"" is generally considered more grammatically correct and widely accepted in formal and professional contexts.

What if I need action to be postponed until documents are received?

You can say "delay action pending receipt of documents" which emphasizes the postponement of action due to the expected arrival of documents, suitable in formal context.