wait well

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "wait well" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward or unclear.
It could be used in contexts where you want to encourage someone to wait patiently or positively, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "While you wait well for the results, try to keep yourself occupied with other activities."

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

Sometimes I have to wait well over an hour for a job.

The Guardian - Tech

You had to wait well over two hours to see Mr. Fleming dance, but it scarcely felt like an imposition.

The New York Times - Arts

It's important to move these boats along, especially the gambling boats out of Freeport, and if hundreds of motorists on their way to or from public beaches have to wait, well, that's too bad.

The New York Times

A Naral Pro-Choice New York investigation found that some centers tell outright lies, such as suggesting that a woman can wait well into her ninth month to seek abortion care, or that she is likely to miscarry anyway, so should delay care.

The New York Times

Those crowds continued to wait well into the evening; the box office, which was to have closed at 6 p.m., was asked by the show's producers to extend its hours, even as hopeful ticket buyers remained standing patiently -- or not so patiently -- along West 44th Street from Seventh to Eighth Avenues.

The New York Times

It is common for patients to wait well over a year for a suitable heart and it is estimated that three people a day die while waiting for an organ transplant.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

Some people were waiting well over an hour.

The New York Times

America both times waited well over two years.

The Economist

And he said people were waiting well over half an hour in "huge queues" for food.

The Guardian - Sport

After waiting well over an hour, he now found himself sitting before Smith and the general manager, Thomas Dimitroff.

The New York Times - Magazine

Jonah does not tolerate waiting well, and by the time the doctor knocked, the room was trashed.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To enhance clarity, it's often beneficial to specify what qualities constitute "waiting well", such as patience or strategic planning.

Common error

Avoid using "wait well" when a simpler, more direct phrase like "wait patiently" or "wait effectively" would better convey your intended meaning. The phrase can be ambiguous.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "wait well" functions as an adverbial modifier, describing the manner in which someone waits. It emphasizes the quality or effectiveness of the waiting, aligning with examples in Ludwig where it's associated with success and strategic patience.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "wait well" is an uncommon but grammatically acceptable way to describe the act of waiting in a patient and effective manner. As Ludwig highlights, it suggests a proactive and strategic approach to waiting, often linked to positive outcomes. While not as frequently used as alternatives like "wait patiently", or "wait effectively", "wait well" can add a nuanced emphasis on the quality of the waiting process. It's important to ensure context provides clarity, preventing misinterpretation of its intended meaning. Though its overall usage is infrequent, primarily found in News & Media and Science domains, the phrase maintains versatility across different registers.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

wait patiently

Focuses on the manner of waiting, emphasizing patience.

wait calmly

Highlights the emotional state while waiting.

wait effectively

Emphasizes the result or outcome of waiting.

bide your time

Suggests waiting for an opportune moment.

hold back

Implies restraint while waiting for the right moment.

keep in abeyance

Highlights postponing action while waiting.

exercise patience

Emphasizes the act of being patient while waiting.

remain composed

Stresses maintaining composure during the wait.

stand by

Implies readiness and alertness during the wait.

maintain equilibrium

Highlights keeping a balanced state while waiting

FAQs

How can I use the phrase "wait well" in a sentence?

You can use "wait well" to describe someone who waits patiently and effectively. For example: "You are successful because you have learned how to "wait well".

What does it mean to "wait well"?

To "wait well" means to wait in a way that is both patient and productive, often implying a strategic or positive approach to the waiting period.

What are some alternatives to the phrase "wait well"?

Some alternatives to "wait well" include "wait patiently", "wait effectively", or "bide your time", depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "wait well"?

While not as common as other phrases, "wait well" is grammatically acceptable. It's more about whether it clearly conveys your intended meaning, which Ludwig AI considers acceptable. Consider alternatives if clarity is paramount.