wait to be found

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait to be found" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a situation where someone or something is in a state of anticipation for discovery or recognition. Example: "In the vast wilderness, the lost hiker had no choice but to wait to be found by the search and rescue team."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Within this apparent gap in the history of life, the remains of other strange creatures undoubtedly wait to be found.

Science Magazine

SItn up nowouldget the best of VICE Can'ta delivered straigot to your inbox.

Vice

However, the early Palaeogene record of metatherians in South America is still relatively poorly known, particularly in the south of the continent; it is feasible that undoubted early Palaeogene South American australidelphians wait to be found.

Plosone

This means that the chromosomes do not sit and wait to be found by the astral MTs but actively contribute by forming a centrosomal kMTs.

Advances in Physics

If he/she doesn't want to kiss you, forget about it and wait to be found.

WikiHow

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

He was sure that it was still out there, waiting to be found.

The New Yorker

At first, we told her he was lying somewhere close, waiting to be found.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

The answers are always in the accompanying Constables, waiting to be found.

The New York Times

I looked down at my fingertips, tempted: what else in my genome waits to be found?

The New York Times

"Mexico certainly has plenty of gas reserves waiting to be found.

The Economist

"Everybody thinks they have a Tim Tebow in the backyard waiting to be found.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait to be found" when emphasizing the passive role of something or someone expecting discovery by an external agent. For example, "The hidden treasure was waiting to be found by a lucky explorer."

Common error

Avoid using "wait to be found" when the subject is actively seeking something. Instead of saying "She waited to be found by a job", say "She was waiting to find a job" or "She hoped to be discovered".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait to be found" functions as a passive construction, indicating a state of anticipation or expectation of being discovered. It is commonly used to describe something that is available but not yet detected. Ludwig AI confirms its usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

40%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wait to be found" is a grammatically sound expression used to convey the idea of something being in a passive state, expecting discovery. Ludwig AI indicates it’s usable and generally correct. Its usage spans across various contexts, notably in News & Media and Science. While commonly correct, writing guidance suggests that you avoid using it when the subject is actively searching for something, to avoid an illogical passive association. Alternative phrases such as "await discovery" offer similar meanings with slightly different emphasis. In essence, "wait to be found" implies a dormant potential, ready to be unveiled by an external force.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

be on the verge of discovery

Focuses on the near possibility of being found.

await discovery

Focuses on the state of being undiscovered and the prospect of being found.

be set to be uncovered

Emphasizes the likelihood and preparation for being revealed.

remain undiscovered

Emphasizes the current state of not being found, with less focus on anticipation.

lie in wait for discovery

Suggests a more deliberate or patient waiting for someone to find something.

be in the offing

Suggests that something is likely to happen or appear soon.

be there for the taking

Implies availability and ease of acquisition upon discovery.

be destined to be found

Implies a preordained or inevitable discovery.

be ripe for the picking

Indicates readiness and suitability for being chosen or utilized.

be just around the corner

Highlights the imminence or proximity of a discovery.

FAQs

How can I use "wait to be found" in a sentence?

Use "wait to be found" when something is in a state of anticipation for discovery. For instance, "The answer was hidden in the text, waiting to be found by careful readers."

What's the difference between "await discovery" and "wait to be found"?

"Await discovery" emphasizes the state of being undiscovered and the prospect of discovery, whereas "wait to be found" highlights the act of waiting for someone to find it.

What are some alternatives to "wait to be found"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "remain undiscovered", "lie in wait for discovery", or "await discovery".

Is it appropriate to use "wait to be found" in formal writing?

Yes, "wait to be found" is generally acceptable in formal writing, though you might consider more precise or sophisticated alternatives depending on the specific context and desired tone.