wait for your turn

USAGE SUMMARY

"wait for your turn" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is typically used when asking someone to be patient and wait for their opportunity to do something. For example, you can say: "Please wait for your turn to speak; everyone will get a chance to share their thoughts."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

"When it's off the record, you actually listen to the conversation, not just wait for your turn to speak," Mr. Malice said.

The New York Times

If your equipment of choice was occupied, you had to sign up at the front desk and wait for your turn to be announced over the loudspeaker.

The New York Times

That's the best-case scenario — is that you're gonna lose your best friend and then just walk home from D'Agostino's with heavy bags every day and wait for your turn to be nothing also".

The New Yorker

The battles with fear are sharp and brief; in between stretch long periods of potential dread, as you watch your competitors vault (or balk) and wait for your turn to do the same.

The New Yorker

That's the best-case scenario is that you're gonna lose your best friend and then just walk home from D'Agostino's with heavy bags every day and wait for your turn to be nothing also".

The New Yorker

And in many cases, it's "lean free" when your body is in motion, or you're standing in line scanning news headlines or photos from friends while you wait for your turn to be called.

Harvard Business Review

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

You practice your yogic breathing waiting for your turn.

The New York Times

"It feels like you are waiting for your turn to be arrested.

The Guardian

But there is a conversation – and it is one that respects the fundamental rule that conversation isn't simply waiting for your turn to speak.

The Guardian - Opinion

For every fleeting second of whizzing through the air upside down, there were hours of assembling kit, checking wind direction and waiting for your turn.

The Guardian - Travel

It is impossible to have a good conversation if what you're actually doing while the other person is talking is waiting for your turn.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing a group, clearly state, "Please wait for your turn" to maintain order and fairness.

Common error

Resist the urge to interrupt or cut in line. Instead, practice active listening and be mindful of others who are also "waiting for their turn".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait for your turn" functions primarily as an imperative, directing someone to be patient and await their opportunity to participate or act. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

34%

Science

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait for your turn" is a commonly used phrase that instructs someone to be patient and respect the order or sequence of events. Ludwig AI affirms that the phrase is correct and suitable for a variety of contexts, primarily appearing in News & Media and Wiki sources. When using this phrase, ensure a polite and clear tone to avoid any misinterpretations. Consider using alternatives like ""await your opportunity"" or ""hold your horses"" for more formal or idiomatic expressions.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait your turn in line

Specifically mentions waiting in a line or queue, useful in contexts where order is important.

queue up and wait

Synonymous in settings that involve waiting in line, be it physical or metaphorical.

await your opportunity

Replaces the literal "turn" with the more general "opportunity", focusing on the positive aspect of having a chance.

hold on for your chance

Similar to "await your opportunity", but includes a sense of perseverance.

patiently await your moment

Combines patience with anticipation of a significant event or personal success.

hold your horses

An idiomatic expression that means to be patient and not rush into things.

bide your time

Suggests waiting strategically until the right moment arises, implying a degree of planning.

exercise patience until your go

Highlights the need for deliberate patience until one's turn arrives.

be patient, your time will come

Emphasizes patience and the eventual arrival of one's chance, adding a temporal dimension.

take a number and wait

Emphasizes formal queuing systems where individuals are assigned a number to maintain order.

FAQs

How can I politely ask someone to "wait for their turn"?

You can say something like, "Please "wait for your turn", everyone will have a chance" or "There's a queue, so please "wait for your turn"".

What's a more formal way to say "wait for your turn"?

In a more formal context, you might say, "Please "await your opportunity"" or "Kindly "hold your horses" until it is your time to participate".

Is it rude to tell someone to "wait for your turn"?

It depends on the tone and context. Saying it politely with a calm demeanor is generally acceptable. Avoid saying it in an accusatory or impatient way. Instead offer an alternative, "There's a queue, so please "join the queue"".

What does it mean to "bide your time" instead of "wait for your turn"?

"Biding your time" implies waiting strategically for the right moment, while "waiting for your turn" simply means waiting for the next sequential opportunity.