wait still

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait still" can be used as part of a sentence in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone should continue to wait without changing their current state or position. For example: - "Please wait still while I finish setting up the equipment." - "We must remain patient and wait still for the results of the investigation." - "He waited still, his eyes fixed on the door, until she finally arrived."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

Three decades later, they wait still.

The New York Times

There the detainees wait – still blindfolded – until they are called one by one to a next-door room.

The Guardian

The Letter for the King, by Dutch author Tonke Dragt, had to wait still longer to reach English readers.

The Guardian - Books

He continued to ride for them in Ireland and France, but this further development may mean that they, and Fallon, will need to wait still further.

The Guardian - Sport

But the other capitals have quite a while to wait still, for the ballot will be followed by weeks of horse trading and programme-writing as Merkel weighs up her coalition options.

The Guardian

Though the package designed by Democratic leaders here survived, at least one element of it did not: A proposal to borrow $8.75 billion to quickly take care of the state's months of unpaid bills failed, apparently meaning that struggling social service agencies and others who have waited months to be paid by the State of Illinois for their services may need to wait still longer.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

Torre is watching and waiting, still waiting.

The New York Times - Sports

Three years into retirement, he is waiting still.

Independent

Now 82, Ilitch is still waiting, still recruiting and still paying.

The New York Times - Sports

He waited still.

Huffington Post

Oh, wait... Still, bravo to the eleventy thousand souls who greeted news that Patrick had taken pole by updating their social media accounts, saying something along the lines of how they didn't know they were giving out stripper poles as prizes down at the speedway these days.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait still" to emphasize the continuation of a waiting period, especially when contrasting it with previous actions or expectations. It is suitable when reaffirming patience is needed.

Common error

Overusing adverbs with "wait still" can create redundancy. For example, phrases like "wait very still" or "wait completely still" are often unnecessary. "Wait still" already implies a lack of movement or change. Omit the extra adverb for a more concise sentence.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "wait still" is to act as a verbal phrase that emphasizes the continuation of waiting. It indicates that an action of waiting is ongoing and has not ceased, reinforcing the idea of patience and persistence. Ludwig confirms this usage through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait still" functions as a verbal phrase that emphasizes the continuation of a waiting period. Ludwig's analysis, supported by numerous examples from diverse sources, confirms its neutral register and frequent use in news and media. While grammatically sound and widely understood, writers should be mindful of avoiding redundancy with additional adverbs. Alternatives like "continue to wait" or "remain waiting" can offer stylistic variation while maintaining semantic accuracy. The key is to use "wait still" to reinforce the idea of ongoing patience in the face of potential change or discouragement.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

continue to wait

Focuses on the ongoing nature of the waiting, emphasizing the act of continuing.

remain waiting

Highlights the state of being in a waiting condition, suggesting a passive persistence.

keep waiting

Emphasizes the repetitive or habitual aspect of waiting.

persist in waiting

Adds a sense of determination or insistence to the act of waiting.

linger in wait

Implies a more prolonged or indefinite period of waiting.

hold on a while

Suggests a request for patience, asking someone to continue waiting for a short duration.

be patient a bit longer

Explicitly asks for more patience, framing the waiting period as temporary.

stay put for now

Instructs someone to remain in their current position while waiting for further instructions or developments.

don't go anywhere yet

A casual instruction to remain in the current location, implying a need to wait.

just hold tight

Encourages steadfastness and patience during a period of waiting.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "wait still" in a sentence?

Use "wait still" to emphasize the continuation of a waiting period. For instance, you might say, "Despite the delay, they must "wait still" for the final decision."

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "wait still"?

Alternatives include phrases like "continue to wait", "remain waiting", or "persist in waiting", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to use "wait still" in formal writing?

Yes, "wait still" is grammatically correct and can be used in formal writing to emphasize the ongoing nature of a waiting period, although more formal synonyms might be preferable depending on the context.

How does "wait still" differ from simply saying "wait"?

"Wait" is a general instruction, while "wait still" emphasizes the continuation of a waiting period, often in the face of changing circumstances or impatience. The addition of "still" reinforces the need for continued patience.