waiting for elevators

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for elevators" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is describing the action of standing by or in a location while anticipating the arrival of an elevator. Example: "After a long day at work, I found myself waiting for elevators in the lobby, eager to get home."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

8 human-written examples

"Waiting for elevators.

The New Yorker

"He's pretty sure the people waiting for elevators on either side of him not make it".

The New York Times

The firefighters had just arrived at a place where, 54 minutes earlier, many people had been waiting for elevators when the second plane came crashing through the building.

The New York Times

Even at the margins, the collisions were devastating: the wingtip of the second plane grazed the 78th floor sky lobby in the south tower, instantly killing dozens of people waiting for elevators.

The New York Times

A co-worker named Mark who knew Mr. Moorthy's father slightly told him that he and several dozen others were waiting for elevators to get off the 97th floor.

The New York Times

I remember a friend telling me a few years ago that he was upset with himself because he had been trying to learn to meditate, but only seemed to allow himself time when he was waiting for elevators.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

(This was no time to wait for elevators).

Forbes

Afterward, joining the milling throng, waiting for inadequate elevators, when we finally got to ascend, we discovered we must have gotten out on the wrong floor.

Los Angeles Times

When the door finally opens after you've been waiting for an elevator, let the people trying to leave the elevator go through the door first.

WikiHow

THEY were waiting for the elevator.

The New York Times - Sports

The two, among others, had been waiting for an elevator.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing scenes in buildings, use "waiting for elevators" to provide context about characters' actions and their environment.

Common error

While "waiting for elevators" is perfectly acceptable, avoid using it excessively in informal writing or casual conversation where simpler phrasing like "waiting for the lift" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for elevators" functions primarily as a prepositional phrase describing the action of anticipating the arrival of elevators. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English. It can provide context about characters' actions and environment in a narrative.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for elevators" is a grammatically sound and readily understandable phrase used to portray the action of anticipating the arrival of elevators. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. Though not overly common, it frequently surfaces in neutral contexts such as news reporting and descriptive writing to establish scene and action. When aiming for more informal communication, simpler alternatives may be preferred. The phrase serves to effectively convey the concept of people in a state of waiting within a built environment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting elevators

Replaces "waiting" with a more formal synonym "awaiting", suggesting a slightly more patient or expectant stance.

standing by for elevators

Emphasizes the physical presence and readiness while anticipating the arrival of the elevators.

in line for the elevators

Highlights the queuing aspect of waiting, suggesting an orderly arrangement.

expecting the elevators

Focuses on the anticipation of the elevators' arrival, emphasizing a mental state of expectation.

biding time for the elevators

Implies that the waiting period is used to pass time, with the elevator as the eventual goal.

lingering for elevators

Suggests a more relaxed or aimless form of waiting, perhaps without a strict purpose beyond taking elevators.

tarrying for elevators

Emphasizes a deliberate pause or delay for the purpose of catching elevators, implying a longer duration.

loitering for the elevators

Implies a casual or even unauthorized waiting, suggesting a less formal or more aimless situation.

hanging around for elevators

Suggests an informal and possibly unstructured wait, simply spending time in the vicinity of the elevators.

stationed for elevators

Highlights the positioning of oneself at a specific place to intercept elevators, suggesting a strategic intent.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting for elevators" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting for elevators" to describe a situation where people are standing and anticipating the arrival of an elevator, such as "The lobby was crowded with people "waiting for elevators" during the lunch rush".

What is a more casual alternative to "waiting for elevators"?

In more casual contexts, you could say "waiting for the lift" especially in regions where "lift" is the common term for elevator.

Is it ever incorrect to use "waiting for elevators"?

No, it's not incorrect, but depending on the region and context, "waiting for the lift" might sound more natural or appropriate.

What's the difference between "waiting for elevators" and "waiting on elevators"?

"Waiting on elevators" is less common and can imply that the elevators are delayed or not functioning properly, while ""waiting for elevators"" simply describes the act of waiting for them to arrive.