waited long

USAGE SUMMARY

"waited long" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action that was done for a prolonged period of time. An example sentence could be: "I waited long for my flight to be called, but eventually it was delayed for an hour."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

"We waited long enough.

The New York Times

We had waited long enough".

The New York Times

I'd waited long enough.

The Guardian - Sport

We've waited long enough.

The New York Times - Sports

They need not have waited long.

The Economist

But we have waited long enough.

Independent

We have waited long enough for this".

The Guardian

God knows they've waited long enough.

The New Yorker

But the Indians have waited long enough.

The New York Times

CrackBerry Kevin has waited long enough.

The Economist

She had waited long enough.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waited long" to emphasize the duration of a waiting period, particularly when expressing impatience or anticipation. For instance, "They had waited long enough for the results."

Common error

Be careful not to use "waited long" when the context already implies a significant duration. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound repetitive or unnatural.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waited long" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of waiting for an extended duration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and frequently used. It typically modifies a subject by describing the nature of their waiting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

90%

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

1%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waited long" is a grammatically correct and frequently used verb phrase that signifies waiting for an extended duration. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness. It commonly appears in news and media contexts to emphasize the length of a waiting period and often implies impatience or a call to action. While versatile, it is important to use it judiciously to avoid redundancy. When used effectively, "waited long" can add emphasis and emotional weight to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waited patiently

Emphasizes the manner of waiting, highlighting patience.

lingered for some time

Suggests a prolonged stay or delay, often with a sense of reluctance or attachment.

tarried for a while

Implies a leisurely or unnecessary delay, suggesting a more casual form of waiting.

remained a while

Indicates a continued presence or state, implying a passive form of waiting.

held off for a period

Emphasizes restraint and the conscious decision to postpone something.

postponed the moment

Focuses on delaying a specific event or decision.

deferred action

Highlights the act of putting off or delaying taking action.

delayed acting

Highlights the postponement of an action, focusing on the inaction during the waiting period.

stalled for an interval

Suggests deliberately causing a delay, often to gain an advantage.

bided their time

Indicates waiting strategically for an opportune moment.

FAQs

How can I use "waited long" in a sentence?

You can use "waited long" to emphasize a prolonged duration of waiting, like in the sentence, "We have waited long enough for this opportunity".

What does "waited long enough" imply?

"Waited long enough" suggests that the speaker believes the waiting period has been excessively extended and action is now necessary. You can use alternatives like "tarried for a while" or "lingered for some time".

Is it better to say "waited a long time" or "waited long"?

Both "waited a long time" and "waited long" are correct, but "waited long" is more concise and direct. The choice depends on the desired emphasis and flow of your writing.

What are some alternatives to "waited long"?

Alternatives include phrases like "remained a while", "delayed acting" or "held off for a period". The best choice depends on the nuance you want to convey.