waiting downstairs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting downstairs" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is currently located on a lower floor of a building, typically in a waiting situation. Example: "I just got a message from Sarah; she's waiting downstairs for us to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The masses were waiting downstairs.

The New Yorker

There were two cars waiting downstairs.

The New York Times - Magazine

The taxi is waiting downstairs.

The Guardian - Books

'I've got an ambulance waiting downstairs.' ".

The New York Times

"There's an ambulance waiting downstairs," he said.

The New Yorker

He wasn't confident, waiting downstairs, that Ellen would remember who he was.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

She decides to make Henry wait downstairs.

The New Yorker

As we waited downstairs, Wuppy trotted around us on the sidewalk.

The New York Times - Magazine

"Her plan was to get an ambulance to wait downstairs while she went upstairs," Mohamed's elder sister, Oumou, recalled.

The New York Times

So I suggested to Trump that I wait downstairs at the bar with them.

The New Yorker

He was asked to wait downstairs as the officer went up and entered the curtained rooms.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting downstairs" to clearly indicate someone is on a lower level and expecting something. It's suitable for both literal and slightly figurative contexts (e.g., waiting for an opportunity).

Common error

Avoid using "waiting downstairs" when the location is not actually a lower level, such as waiting in another room on the same floor. Use more precise location descriptors to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting downstairs" functions as a verb phrase, often part of a larger sentence structure. It describes an action (waiting) occurring at a specific location (downstairs). Ludwig AI highlights numerous examples of this usage in news and media contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

96%

Wiki

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting downstairs" is a common and grammatically sound verb phrase used to describe someone or something anticipating an event or person on a lower level of a building. According to Ludwig AI, its usage is prevalent in news and media contexts, maintaining a neutral register. While there are various alternatives, such as "awaiting below", the specific choice depends on the desired nuance and context. It's important to consider alternatives in order to avoid monotonous language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting below

Emphasizes the act of awaiting in a lower position.

located downstairs

Indicates the position of someone at a lower level.

remaining downstairs

Focuses on continuing to be in that location.

staying below

Highlights the act of remaining on the lower level.

positioned downstairs

Suggests a deliberate placing of someone on the lower level.

downstairs on standby

Implies readiness and availability on the lower level.

situated below

Highlights the placement of someone in the lower level

present downstairs

Focuses on the physical presence in the lower level.

stationed downstairs

Suggests a more formal or assigned position in the lower level.

lingering below

Implies waiting for an uncertain amount of time.

FAQs

How to use "waiting downstairs" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting downstairs" to describe someone who is located on a lower floor and expecting something or someone. For example, "The taxi is "waiting downstairs"." or "He is "waiting downstairs" for you to come down".

What can I say instead of "waiting downstairs"?

You can use alternatives like "awaiting below", "staying below", or "downstairs on standby" depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "waits downstairs" instead of "waiting downstairs"?

"Waits downstairs" implies a habitual action or a present action for a third-person singular subject, while "waiting downstairs" indicates a continuous action happening now. The better fit depends on the intended meaning and subject. For example, "He "waits downstairs" every day" versus "He is "waiting downstairs" now".

What's the difference between "waiting downstairs" and "waiting below"?

"Waiting downstairs" specifically refers to waiting on a lower floor within a building. "Waiting below" is more general and can refer to any lower position, not necessarily within a building. "Waiting below" could be used to describe someone waiting at the foot of a hill, while ""waiting downstairs"" is more specific to a building's lower level.