wait for wind

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait for wind" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts related to sailing, weather, or metaphorically to suggest patience in anticipation of a change or opportunity. Example: "As we prepared to set sail, we had no choice but to wait for wind to fill our sails."

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Wait for wind.

WikiHow

"Whether it is saying bluntly that 'housing is a big issue', or [China] 'cannot wait for wind and wish for rain' in its declaration of war on smog; whether it is saying the number of rural, poor students attending focus schools should be boosted by 10%, or saying energy consumption must be reduced by 3.9%, Mr Li showed he was at ease when answering these questions," it adds.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Now we have to wait for winds to change".

The Guardian

With friendly, safety-conscious instructors and equipment available on the peninsula, you can take it at your own speed and wait for winds that suit you.

The Guardian - Travel

After a few minutes of waiting for wind and trying to avoid eye contact with some people across the street, I climbed back in bed and passed out until I could kick off another day with cider and pie.

Vice

Networks linger with them, showing them walking the course, waiting for winds to abate and chatting with their caddies.

The New York Times - Sports

But there come moments -- while a hurricane is making its way inland or firefighters are waiting for winds to slacken over Southern California -- when we seem to live in at least two weathers at once.

The New York Times

During the ascendance of the Dutch India Company, in the seventeenth century, hundreds of ships stopped on the Texel Roads, taking on provisions and waiting for winds that came, usually in winter, to blow them north or south.

The New Yorker

Services had waited for winds to die down before taking the vehicle away.

BBC

Van Liew did not have the luxury to wait for a wind shift.

The New York Times - Sports

We stood in line for free orange juice and muesli and sat down to wait for the wind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait for wind" when describing situations where progress or action is dependent on favorable wind conditions, literally or metaphorically. Ensure the context clearly indicates what activity is being held up by the lack of wind.

Common error

Avoid using "wait for wind" in contexts where the dependency on an external factor is weak or irrelevant. The phrase implies a significant and necessary reliance on a specific condition, so misapplication can weaken your writing.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for wind" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating a period of inactivity or anticipation pending a specific meteorological event. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

40%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait for wind" is a grammatically correct prepositional phrase, as Ludwig AI confirms, that describes a state of anticipation dependent on specific wind conditions. Although not extremely common, it is used across various contexts, particularly in news, wiki and science. Metaphorically, it signifies patience in awaiting favorable circumstances. While generally neutral in tone, its suitability depends on the context, with more precise language preferred in formal settings. Remember to use "wait for wind" when an action's success is significantly reliant on external wind conditions, and avoid its use in situations where this dependency is weak.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

await favorable winds

Focuses on the positive aspect of the wind condition being awaited.

expect the wind to pick up

Emphasizes anticipation of increased wind intensity.

hold out for wind

Implies resilience and determination in waiting.

anticipate the right wind conditions

Highlights the planning and preparation aspect.

stay put until the wind arrives

Suggests remaining stationary until the wind begins.

bide time for wind

Refers to patiently waiting for a specific wind.

linger until winds develop

Emphasizes a prolonged wait.

pause for the winds to rise

Suggests temporarily halting an activity.

suspend action awaiting wind

Implies a formal or deliberate suspension.

look forward to a breeze

Expresses positive anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait for wind" when the successful execution of an action is fully dependent on a specific wind condition. For example: "The sailors had to wait for wind before they could set sail."

What does it mean to "wait for wind" metaphorically?

Metaphorically, to "wait for wind" means to patiently await the necessary conditions or opportunity to proceed with a plan or activity. It suggests a reliance on external factors that are beyond one's immediate control.

What are some alternatives to "wait for wind"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "await favorable conditions", "expect the right opportunity", or "hold out for the right moment".

Is "wait for wind" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "wait for wind" might be more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using more precise or technical language that specifies the required conditions.