waiting anxiously

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting anxiously" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a state of nervous anticipation or eagerness for something to happen. Example: "She was waiting anxiously for the test results." Alternative expressions include "waiting nervously" and "waiting with bated breath."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Georgians were waiting, anxiously.

The New Yorker

The nation is waiting anxiously.

The New York Times

Their families were waiting anxiously for news.

The Guardian

She was waiting anxiously for me.

The New York Times - Travel

The Giants' coach is waiting anxiously.

The New York Times - Sports

Brown will be waiting anxiously for the first editions.

The Guardian

Waiting anxiously for the signal, I try to decide what side I'll go for.

Independent

They are waiting anxiously; they're praying for victory for our fighters".

The New York Times

The Democrats are now waiting anxiously to discover whether his absence will alter that pattern.

The Economist

For middle-class parents waiting anxiously for this week's admissions letters, it's something to think about.

The New York Times

When she returns men are already waiting anxiously, eager to check their blood sugar.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting anxiously" when you want to convey a sense of nervous anticipation or eagerness mixed with worry. It is suitable for describing personal feelings or the state of a group.

Common error

While "waiting anxiously" is widely understood, consider using more formal alternatives like "awaiting with keen interest" or "anticipating with concern" in professional or academic writing to maintain a more sophisticated tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting anxiously" functions as an adverbial phrase modifying a verb, typically describing the manner in which someone is waiting. Ludwig AI indicates it's a common and accepted phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

97%

Academia

1%

Wiki

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting anxiously" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe a state of nervous anticipation, as validated by Ludwig AI. It's primarily found in news and media contexts, indicating its broad applicability. While suitable for many situations, consider more formal alternatives for academic or professional writing. Remember to use it when you want to emphasize both the anticipation and the underlying worry associated with waiting. Consider the subtle differences between related phrases like "nervously awaiting" or "eagerly anticipating" to fine-tune your message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

nervously awaiting

Highlights the nervousness of the wait, similar to "waiting anxiously".

apprehensively waiting

Emphasizes a sense of foreboding or unease about what is to come.

restlessly waiting

Highlights the inability to stay still or relaxed while waiting.

on tenterhooks

Another idiomatic expression highlighting the tension and anxiety of waiting.

awaiting with bated breath

Emphasizes holding one's breath in anticipation, adding a sense of suspense.

expecting with trepidation

Adds a stronger sense of fear or anxiety to the expectation.

sitting on pins and needles

Idiomatic expression emphasizing extreme restlessness and anxiety.

eagerly anticipating

Focuses on the positive aspect of looking forward to something, reducing the sense of worry.

in a state of suspense

Focuses on the uncertainty and tension of the waiting period.

watching with anticipation

Focuses on the act of observing and waiting, rather than the emotional state.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting anxiously" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting anxiously" to describe someone's emotional state while anticipating an event or news. For example, "The families were "waiting anxiously" for news from the hospital".

What can I say instead of "waiting anxiously"?

You can use alternatives like "nervously awaiting", "eagerly anticipating", or "apprehensively waiting" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "waiting anxiously" or "anxiously waiting"?

Both "waiting anxiously" and "anxiously waiting" are grammatically correct, but "waiting anxiously" is more common. The choice often depends on stylistic preference and the rhythm of the sentence.

What's the difference between "waiting anxiously" and "waiting patiently"?

"Waiting anxiously" implies a sense of worry, nervousness, or unease, while "waiting patiently" suggests calmness and composure. The phrases describe contrasting emotional states during a waiting period.