wait upon

USAGE SUMMARY

The expression "wait upon" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an idiomatic expression meaning to serve someone or attend to their needs. For example, you could say, "The waiter waited upon the customers to take their orders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

Anyway, the safety of the West cannot wait upon the progress of enlightenment in Waziristan.

The New York Times - Books

We wait upon the glory that needs no sun, he said.

The New Yorker

Serious bargaining on this was always going to wait upon Germany's election.

The Economist

"However grand their aspirations, they wait upon the will of people in power," he writes.

The New York Times - Arts

Next Wednesday: don't let I dare not wait upon I would, like the poor cat i'the adage.

The New Yorker

Meanwhile, others need not wait upon their decision, allowing the best to be enemy of the good.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

25 human-written examples

Or, as Mr Bercow put it, they had "waited upon" the duke.

The Guardian

They all dwell in a mansion with a marble hall, waited upon by Rachid (Hassam Ghancy) and Djamila (Nabiha Akkari).

The New Yorker

It waits upon the lawn; It shows the furthest tree Upon the furthest slope we know; It almost speaks to me.

The Guardian

They were to be waited upon by scores of doll-sized wooden eunuchs, whose pale faces and downcast eyes remind a modern viewer of zombies.

The New York Times - Arts

Mr Crosby – the title of "Sir" waits upon his investiture – performed his job, as chief of Conservative election strategy, exceedingly well.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "wait upon", consider the context. It's often used in formal or literary settings to denote service or dependency. In modern, informal contexts, consider alternatives like "serve" or "attend to".

Common error

Avoid using "wait upon" in casual conversation or informal writing. It can sound archaic or overly formal. Opt for more contemporary alternatives unless you're aiming for a specific stylistic effect.

Linguistic Context

The phrasal verb "wait upon" primarily functions as a verb of action, describing the act of serving or attending to someone. It can also express dependence or expectation, as exemplified in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

39%

Encyclopedias

9%

Science

9%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Formal & Business

6%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrasal verb "wait upon" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that primarily means to serve or attend to someone. According to Ludwig AI, it is an idiomatic expression. While its usage is considered correct, its register leans towards formal and somewhat archaic, making it more suitable for literary or historical contexts than casual conversation. Contemporary alternatives like "serve" or "attend to" are often preferred in modern settings. While "wait upon" does have a broad usage in News & Media, it is not the most preferred word in Formal & Business, Encyclopedias and Science where this expression is also found. Considering that the above mentioned contexts prefer alternatives, users should carefully assess the intended tone before using this expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

attend to

Focuses on the act of giving care or service, often in a professional context. It's more direct and less archaic.

be at someone's service

A more formal expression of readiness to assist, suitable for polite or professional contexts.

serve

Emphasizes the action of providing a service, often in a subordinate role. Less formal than "wait upon".

be in attendance

Highlights the physical presence and readiness to assist, often in a formal setting.

look after

Highlights the aspect of care and protection, suitable when the focus is on well-being.

cater to

Suggests providing everything needed or desired, often with a focus on satisfying specific demands.

be dependent on

Stresses reliance on someone or something for support or action, shifting the focus from service to dependence.

administer to

Implies providing help or care, often in a formal or professional setting. More commonly used in medical or organizational contexts.

await

Implies waiting for something to happen, losing the sense of active service.

depend on

Indicates reliance on someone or something, without the connotation of active service.

FAQs

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

"Wait upon" means to serve or attend to someone. For instance, "The servants waited upon the guests at the banquet" or "Success may wait upon diligent effort".

What are some alternatives to "wait upon"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "attend to", "serve", or "depend on".

Is "wait on" the same as "wait upon"?

Yes, "wait on" and "wait upon" are largely interchangeable, both meaning to serve. However, "wait upon" is generally considered more formal and slightly archaic.

When is it appropriate to use "wait upon" instead of "serve"?

Use "wait upon" when aiming for a more formal, literary, or historical tone. "Serve" is generally more common and appropriate in modern contexts. "Wait upon" can also suggest an element of deference or expectation.