wait patiently

USAGE SUMMARY

"Wait patiently" is correct and usable in written English.
When you don't have control over the timing of something, you can use this phrase to show that you are willing to wait until the timing is right. For example: "I'm waiting patiently for the perfect job opportunity to come along."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So they wait patiently.

The Guardian - Books

4. Wait patiently for the results!

The New Yorker

But Norah does wait, patiently, for our consent.

The New Yorker

You look to keep it 0-0 and wait patiently".

The New York Times - Sports

They wait patiently to be paid attention to.

The New York Times - Arts

He'd wait patiently until, say, the subject sneezed.

The New Yorker

Then wait patiently for the videos to load.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

All I had to do was wait patiently for four weeks.

The New York Times

But nowadays, his daughter Liz does not seem inclined to wait patiently for such an opening.

The New York Times

Reporters and camera crews wait patiently outside; the witnesses are reserved.

The Economist

Their customers wait patiently for a new supply of "Women for Obama" buttons.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to "wait patiently", consider adding a time frame or explanation to manage expectations and prevent frustration.

Common error

Overusing "wait patiently" can sometimes lead to passive constructions. Instead of "The results are waited for patiently", try the active voice: "We "wait patiently" for the results".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait patiently" primarily functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which an action (waiting) is performed. As Ludwig AI indicates, it conveys a sense of calm expectation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

23%

Formal & Business

11%

Less common in

Science

10%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait patiently" is a versatile adverbial phrase that describes the manner of waiting with composure and calm expectation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically sound and commonly used. With a high expert rating of 4.6, the phrase is effective in diverse contexts, ranging from news and media to formal business communications, conveying a sense of control and reassurance. Alternatives such as "await with composure" and "hold one's horses" provide nuanced ways to express the same concept. A key best practice is to use it to emphasize composure, while avoiding passive voice to maintain clarity and directness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

remain composed while waiting

Emphasizes maintaining a calm demeanor while waiting.

show restraint while waiting

Highlights the act of controlling oneself and remaining patient.

await with composure

Replaces "wait" with "await" and "patiently" with "composure", emphasizing calmness.

stand by calmly

Emphasizes a quiet and composed state of readiness.

hold one's horses

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

practice patient perseverance

Stresses the enduring quality of patience needed to achieve a goal.

exercise forbearance

Replaces "wait patiently" with a more formal and sophisticated expression.

bide one's time

Focuses on waiting for the right moment to act.

keep a calm vigil

Implies a watchful and patient waiting period.

take a long view

Suggests a patient outlook, understanding that results may take time.

FAQs

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

You can use "wait patiently" to describe how someone anticipates an event or outcome. For example, "We must "wait patiently" for the test results" or "The investors "wait patiently" for the market to stabilize".

What does it mean to "wait patiently"?

To "wait patiently" means to remain calm and composed while waiting for something to happen, without showing signs of impatience or frustration.

What are some alternative ways to say "wait patiently"?

Alternatives include "await with composure", "hold one's horses", or "exercise forbearance" depending on the context.

Is it better to "wait patiently" or to take action?

Whether to "wait patiently" or take action depends on the situation. Sometimes, patience is necessary when you lack control over the timing. Other times, proactive steps are needed to influence the outcome.