waiting for a reply

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for a reply" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to indicate that you are expecting a response from someone. Example: "I sent the email yesterday and I'm still waiting for a reply."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are still waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

"We are waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

They are still waiting for a reply.

The Guardian - Opinion

Dr. Anderson was still waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

Nothing, huh?" Faith asked, not waiting for a reply.

The New York Times

She strode into the house without waiting for a reply.

The New Yorker

Branca said that he was waiting for a reply from Liverpool to the club's latest offer.

Independent

"I wouldn't want to have a genius, would you?" Without waiting for a reply she added.

The New Yorker

"Love you," she calls out, then leaves without waiting for a reply.

The New Yorker

An e-mail address was given, I wrote immediately, and I'm still waiting for a reply.

The New Yorker

He watches you, eyes baked in the sun, as if waiting for a reply.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting for a reply" to indicate a state of anticipation after sending a message or request. It's appropriate for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Instead of saying "A reply is being waited for", use the active voice: "We are waiting for a reply". The active voice is generally clearer and more direct.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for a reply" functions as a participial phrase, often used adjectivally to describe a state of anticipation or expectation. It's commonly used to indicate that someone is in a state of suspense, expecting to receive an answer or feedback, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Science

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

6%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for a reply" is a grammatically sound and versatile phrase widely used to express anticipation for a response. Ludwig confirms its correctness and provides numerous real-world examples. It is most prevalent in news and media but suitable for diverse contexts. For a more formal tone, consider alternatives like "awaiting a response". Remember to avoid passive voice constructions for clarity. This phrase effectively conveys a state of expectation and is valuable in both professional and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting a response

Formal synonym, implying a slightly more patient or passive stance.

expecting a reply

Focuses on the expectation of receiving a response.

anticipating a response

Highlights the anticipation or eagerness for the reply.

looking for a response

Emphasizes the active seeking or desire for a response.

in expectation of a reply

A more formal and elaborate way of saying "expecting a reply".

pending a reply

Indicates that something is being held back until a reply is received.

holding out for a response

Suggests a determined or persistent wait for the reply.

standing by for a response

Implies readiness to act once the reply is received.

remaining on standby for a response

A more emphatic version of "standing by for a response".

yet to receive a response

States that a response has not been received up to the current time.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "waiting for a reply"?

You can use alternatives like "awaiting a response", "expecting a reply", or "anticipating a response" depending on the context.

How to use "waiting for a reply" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe a situation where you're expecting a response from someone, for example: "I sent the email yesterday and I'm still waiting for a reply." or "The organization is waiting for a reply to its offer for help".

Which is correct, "waiting for a reply" or "waiting on a reply"?

"Waiting for a reply" is more commonly used and generally preferred. "Waiting on a reply" is less frequent and might sound slightly informal.

What's the difference between "waiting for a reply" and "awaiting a reply"?

"Awaiting a reply" is a more formal synonym for "waiting for a reply". Both phrases express the same idea of anticipating a response, but "awaiting a reply" is often used in more professional or official contexts.