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Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
waiting are
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "waiting are" is not correct and usable in written English.
It appears to be a misplacement of words and does not convey a clear meaning. Example: "The people waiting are anxious for the concert to start."
⚠ May contain grammatical issues
News & Media
Science
Formal & Business
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
48 human-written examples
And hovering in the background, waiting, waiting, are the entourage.
News & Media
Would it surprise you that Mary's ladies in waiting are named Greer, Kenna, Aylee and Lola?
News & Media
Dave Robertson and Mark Melancon, the setup men in waiting, are 24.
News & Media
We need to realize that expensive, draconian treatment and "watchful waiting" are not our only choices.
News & Media
But for the Conservative party, I believe the dangers of waiting are significant.
News & Media
The disadvantages of waiting are evident in emerging Asia (see article), but Japan's financial authorities are not the hurrying kind.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
9 human-written examples
These kings-in-waiting are in their 60s and 70s, and already troubled by rivalry.
News & Media
The Web sites that address this catastrophe-in-waiting are going to chill your bones.
News & Media
Still, the candidates-in-waiting are careful to avoid the impression of forgetting their real job, getting Mr. Kerry elected.
News & Media
Most immediately, the research institutions, which operate as Washington's government-in-waiting, are supplying the presidential campaigns with policy staffs.
News & Media
Officials of the mining company, Alexkor, suggest that portrayals of the community as heirs-in-waiting are premature.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
When writing, ensure that the subject and verb agree. Rephrasing "waiting are" to "those who are waiting" or "people waiting are" provides correct grammatical structure and greater clarity.
Common error
Avoid using "waiting are" directly as it can lead to subject-verb disagreement. Always ensure the verb matches the subject in number. It's often safer to rephrase to avoid this issue entirely.
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
The phrase "waiting are" often functions as part of a verb phrase, typically within a relative clause or a descriptive phrase. However, Ludwig AI indicates it's not grammatically correct, frequently requiring rephrasing to achieve proper subject-verb agreement.
Frequent in
News & Media
51%
Science
29%
Formal & Business
9%
Less common in
Wiki
0%
Encyclopedias
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, while the phrase "waiting are" appears frequently in various sources, Ludwig AI flags it as grammatically incorrect. This is primarily due to potential subject-verb disagreement. Correcting this requires rephrasing, using alternatives like "those who are waiting" or adjusting sentence structure to ensure proper agreement. Although common in News & Media, more formal writing contexts such as academic or professional documents should avoid this construction. By being mindful of these grammatical nuances, writers can achieve greater clarity and precision in their expression.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
those waiting are
Emphasizes the group of people who are in a state of waiting. It's slightly more specific by directly indicating a group.
people who are waiting
Replaces the shorter phrase with a more explicit description using a relative clause. More verbose but grammatically sound.
individuals who are waiting
Formally refers to persons in a state of waiting. It may add a degree of formality in certain contexts.
those in waiting are
Emphasizes the state of anticipation or expectation. Places focus on the "in waiting" condition.
the ones waiting are
Focuses on specific individuals within a larger context. More direct but slightly less formal.
folks who are waiting
Replaces with a more informal synonym for "people". Makes the overall tone friendlier.
customers who are waiting
Changes the subject to a specific group, those expecting service.
applicants who are waiting
Refers to people who are awaiting response on their application.
patients who are waiting
Specific scenario relating to individuals awaiting medical care.
students who are waiting
Specifically refers to students in a waiting state.
FAQs
How can I correct the phrase "waiting are" in a sentence?
To fix "waiting are", ensure the subject agrees with the verb. Use "those who are waiting" or "the people waiting are" for grammatical correctness.
Is "waiting are" grammatically correct?
No, "waiting are" is generally considered grammatically incorrect. A proper construction would be "those who are waiting" or similar phrasing.
What are some alternatives to using "waiting are" in my writing?
Consider using phrases like "those waiting are", "people who are waiting", or simply rephrasing to avoid the construction altogether.
When is it appropriate to use the phrase "waiting are"?
Due to its grammatical issues, it is generally not advisable to use "waiting are" in formal or academic writing. Rephrase for clarity and correctness.
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Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
87%
Authority and reliability
2.8/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested