waiting for authorization

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for authorization" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that you are in a state of anticipation for approval or permission to proceed with a task or action. Example: "The system is currently down as we are waiting for authorization to restore access."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We were sitting here waiting for authorization to go clear the militia," Maj.

The New York Times

On occasion, she said, she has told nurses to go ahead and administer drugs from the center's emergency kit without waiting for authorization from the pharmacist.

The New York Times

Lately, though, there has been an addition to the hubbub: Contractors, lines of them, waiting for authorization to ascend the elevator to the apartments they are in the process of renovating.

The New York Times

On Saturday, a group of Cuban doctors sat sheepishly in the entrance, waiting for authorization.

Huffington Post

For a week now, Melina Moreno the deputy director of the city's common grave for unclaimed bodies has been anxiously waiting for authorization from the central morgue in Mexicali to bury all the unidentified bodies, which make up the majority of the corpses the Tijuana facility receives.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

55 human-written examples

While the guards waited for authorization to let me through, they made my driver pull over and park.

The New Yorker

Patrick J. Greene, an owner of the Chelsea Brewing Company, borrowed a golf cart from a nearby marina, filled it with ice and potato chips from his restaurant, and waited for authorization to pass police barriers to take the goods to a triage center at Stuyvesant High School.

The New York Times

Instead, management waited for authorization from the Health Service Commission, which could take a long time.

Human Resources for Health

The same work will be deployed onto the Gare du Nord and the Arc de Triomphe (we're still waiting for the authorization on this monument).

Vice

Since 1882, the Supreme Court has recognized that federal judges possess inherent power to issue court orders barring government officials from acting in violation of the Constitution, and to do so without waiting for congressional authorization.

Los Angeles Times

Orlova, who worked in Russian businesses for cash when she was waiting for her work authorization, said she had to leave several jobs because of homophobic and sexist behavior from bosses, and sometimes she wasn't paid.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waiting for authorization", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is providing the authorization. This clarifies the source of the anticipated approval and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid simply stating that you are "waiting for authorization" without explaining why the authorization is delayed or what steps are being taken to expedite the process. Provide context to show proactivity and understanding of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for authorization" functions as a gerund phrase acting as an adjective, modifying a noun (explicit or implicit). It indicates a state of anticipation pending official approval. As seen in the examples provided by Ludwig, it describes situations where action is paused until permission is granted.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for authorization" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that an action is on hold until approval is received. While considered correct by Ludwig AI, its frequency is relatively rare. The phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts, but can also be found in science and academic domains. To improve clarity, specify the source of authorization. Consider using alternatives like "awaiting approval" or "pending authorization" for a more formal tone. When writing, avoid simply stating the delay; provide context and explain the reasons behind the need for approval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting approval

Emphasizes a more formal tone and the expectation of a positive outcome.

pending authorization

Highlights the condition of being dependent on authorization before proceeding.

awaiting clearance

Implies a process of being checked or vetted before authorization is granted.

on hold for permission

Focuses on the temporary suspension of action until permission is given.

delayed pending approval

Highlights the delay and its cause, emphasizing the approval process.

held up awaiting sanction

Indicates a forceful holding back until an official sanction or approval is received.

stalled pending authorization

Emphasizes the cessation of progress specifically due to lacking authorization.

waiting on the green light

Uses an idiomatic expression to convey the need for a signal to proceed.

in limbo awaiting permission

Stresses the uncertain state while waiting for the necessary permission.

requiring prior authorization

Focuses on the necessity of having authorization before any action is even taken.

FAQs

What's a less formal way to say "waiting for authorization"?

Depending on the context, you can use phrases like "waiting for the go-ahead" or "waiting for the green light" in informal settings.

How can I rephrase "waiting for authorization" to sound more proactive?

Instead of just saying "waiting for authorization", try "following up on authorization" or "seeking authorization" to show initiative.

Is it better to use "awaiting authorization" or "waiting for authorization"?

Both phrases are correct, but "awaiting authorization" is generally considered more formal than "waiting for authorization".

What's the difference between "pending authorization" and "waiting for authorization"?

"Pending authorization" emphasizes that something is currently in a state of being considered, while "waiting for authorization" focuses more on the act of waiting. They are often interchangeable but can have slightly different nuances.