wait to do

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait to do" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone should delay an action until a certain time or condition is met. Example: "I will wait to do my homework until after dinner."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

I couldn't wait to do that".

The New York Times

We can't wait to do that".

Independent

Can't wait to do a run-through.

The Guardian

"I can't wait to do that session".

The Guardian - Music

She couldn't wait to do it again.

The Guardian

"So I can't wait to do it again".

The New York Times - Sports

She can't wait to do "some fun stuff".

The Guardian

But Mr. Cacheiro cannot wait to do it all again.

The New York Times

He just can't wait to do drug testing.

The New York Times

I can't wait to do my Hunger Games".

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Emails can wait, to-do lists can wait, but moments may be lost.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "wait to do" when you want to emphasize a deliberate pause or anticipation before an action, especially when the timing is important. For example, "I will wait to do my taxes until the last possible day".

Common error

Don't use "wait to do" as a synonym for procrastination when there's no strategic reason for the delay. Overusing it can make you sound indecisive or avoidant. Instead, address tasks promptly unless there's a valid reason to pause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait to do" functions as an infinitive phrase, often acting as an adjective or adverb modifying a verb. Ludwig shows numerous examples where it expresses the intention to delay or postpone an action until a specific time or condition is met.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Academia

15%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "wait to do" is a versatile and grammatically sound phrase that functions as an infinitive, typically conveying the intention to postpone an action. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and frequent usage across diverse contexts, predominantly in news and media. While versatile, careful consideration should be given to potential alternatives such as "delay doing" or "postpone doing" to fine-tune the tone and formality. Avoid overuse in situations where there's no strategic reason for delay.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

hold off on doing

Emphasizes postponing or delaying an action until a later time.

delay doing

Highlights the act of postponing an action, often due to a specific reason.

postpone doing

Formally indicates the act of rescheduling something to a later time.

defer doing

Implies submitting or yielding to a later time, often due to respect or authority.

put off doing

Suggests procrastination or avoidance of an action.

refrain from doing

Highlights abstaining from performing an action, often due to a rule or personal choice.

forbear to do

Formally suggests restraining oneself from doing something.

hesitate to do

Implies reluctance or doubt before performing an action.

bide one's time to do

Indicates patiently waiting for the right opportunity to act.

anticipate doing

Focuses on looking forward to performing an action in the future.

FAQs

How can I use "wait to do" in a sentence?

You can use "wait to do" to indicate postponing an action. For example, "I'll "wait to do" my laundry until the weekend".

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

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "defer doing" or "postpone doing". These alternatives add a layer of formality suitable for professional communication.

Is it ever incorrect to use "wait to do"?

While grammatically correct, using "wait to do" might not always be the most concise or impactful choice. If the delay isn't strategic or deliberate, a more direct verb might be better.

What's the difference between "wait to do" and "delay doing"?

"Wait to do" often implies anticipation or a deliberate pause, while "delay doing" can simply mean postponing something, perhaps without a specific reason or positive expectation.