wait long

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'wait long' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when expressing that someone hasn't had to wait for a long period of time. For example, "The line at the store moved quickly, so I didn't have to wait long."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

We don't wait long.

Independent

But don't wait long.

The New York Times - Travel

O'Malley didn't wait long.

The New Yorker

He didn't wait long.

The New York Times - Sports

They did not wait long.

The New York Times - Sports

We do not wait long.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

"We waited long enough.

The New York Times

We had waited long enough".

The New York Times

Are you waiting long enough?

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

But we have waited long enough.

Independent

The 9/11 responders have waited long enough.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wait long", ensure it's clear what the subject is waiting for and why the duration matters. This adds context and relevance to your sentence.

Common error

Avoid using "wait long" without a clear indication of what is being waited for. Always specify the object or event being awaited to prevent ambiguity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait long" primarily functions as a verbal phrase indicating the duration of a waiting period. As Ludwig AI highlights, it's often used to express that the waiting time was not extensive. Examples from the provided data illustrate its use in various contexts, from sports to news.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

6%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Academia

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait long" is a common verbal phrase used to describe the duration of a waiting period, particularly to convey its brevity. Ludwig AI affirms its grammatical correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media contexts, the phrase maintains a neutral register suitable for various forms of communication. To enhance clarity, it's best practice to always specify the subject and object of the waiting period. When greater formality is required, alternatives such as "experience a short delay" can be considered. Avoiding ambiguity and providing context are crucial for effective usage of "wait long".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not have to wait long

This alternative explicitly highlights the absence of a lengthy waiting period.

not wait for an extended period

This rephrasing emphasizes the avoidance of a prolonged wait.

experience a short wait

This focuses on the brevity of the waiting time.

not be kept waiting

This alternative shifts the focus to the experience of being made to wait.

not be delayed

This term focuses on the absence of postponement or holdup.

find it immediate

This emphasizes the speed of something happening or being available.

happen quickly

This focuses on the promptness of an event.

occur soon

This highlights the near future in which something will take place.

transpire promptly

This conveys the idea of something happening without delay, using a more formal tone.

not have a drawn-out wait

This emphasizes that the waiting period is not unnecessarily extended or prolonged.

FAQs

How can I use "wait long" in a sentence?

You can use "wait long" to express that someone did not have to wait for an extended period of time. For example, "I didn't have to "wait long" for the bus to arrive".

What's a more formal way to say "wait long"?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases like "experience a short delay", or "not be kept waiting".

Is it correct to say "waited long" instead of "wait long"?

Yes, "waited long" is grammatically correct. It's the past tense form of "wait long". For example, "We "waited long enough" for the decision".

What does it mean when someone says "I didn't wait long"?

It means the person is indicating that the period of waiting was brief or shorter than expected.