waiting for hour

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for hour" is not correct in English.
It should be "waiting for an hour" or "waiting for hours." You can use it when describing a duration of time spent waiting for something or someone. Example: "I was waiting for an hour at the bus stop before realizing the bus was delayed."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

The sea of people who had been waiting for hour upon hour had a single aim: to see Chávez for the last time, to see the face of the man who had wooed them and won them by giving them a political identity, by giving direction to their desires and resentments.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

"We were waiting for hours.

The New York Times - Sports

Taxis were kept waiting for hours outside pubs.

The Guardian

She was kept waiting for hours on end for job interviews.

The Economist

It was a fertile environment: people were anxious and tired and waiting for hours in line.

The New York Times

"Better hit up the line now, otherwise you'll be waiting for hours," he said.

The New York Times

Waiting for hours to vote is not uncommon in many African countries.

The New York Times

His wife had been waiting for hours, trying to buy milk.

The New York Times

People are only served at 10am, so they are waiting for hours".

The Guardian

He keeps Furtwängler waiting for hours, then forces him to ask permission to sit down.

The New York Times

"We were like paparazzi, waiting for hours outside Dior," Ms. Boulard said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When referring to a specific duration of waiting time, ensure you use the article "an" before "hour" (e.g., "waiting for an hour") or use the plural form "hours" if the waiting time is more than one hour (e.g., "waiting for hours").

Common error

Avoid omitting the article "an" before "hour" when referring to a single hour of waiting. Saying "waiting for hour" is grammatically incorrect. Always specify "waiting for an hour".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for hour" functions as a prepositional phrase, indicating a period of anticipation. However, it's grammatically incomplete as it requires an article before "hour". As Ludwig AI states, the correct forms are "waiting for an hour" or "waiting for hours".

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, while the phrase "waiting for hour" might be encountered, it's grammatically incorrect. Ludwig AI identifies that the proper usage requires the article "an" before "hour" when referring to a single hour (i.e., "waiting for an hour") or the plural form "hours" when referring to more than one hour (i.e., "waiting for hours"). Although there is one example from "The New Yorker", it's advisable to avoid this phrasing in formal writing and speaking and prefer the grammatically correct alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting an hour

Adding 'an' makes it grammatically correct by specifying a single hour.

waiting for hours

Using the plural form "hours" makes it grammatically correct, implying a longer wait time.

awaiting an hour

Replaces "waiting" with "awaiting" maintaining the intended meaning with a slightly more formal tone and introduces 'an' for grammatical correctness.

delayed for an hour

Focuses on the delay aspect, replacing "waiting" with "delayed" and correcting the grammar with 'an'.

in anticipation for an hour

Emphasizes the anticipation aspect, indicating hopeful expectation during that period, and includes 'an' for grammatical correctness.

held up for an hour

Highlights the experience of being held up or detained for a specific amount of time, correcting the grammar with 'an'.

expecting for the hour

Shifts the focus to expectation during a specific hour. This alternative includes a definite article "the" and correct "for" preposition usage.

tarrying for the hour

Replaces "waiting" with "tarrying", suggesting a deliberate delay or lingering, focuses on a specific hour, and includes a definite article "the".

lingering for the hour

Suggests a prolonged stay or hesitation for a specific hour, using "lingering" instead of "waiting" and includes a definite article "the".

observing an hour's delay

Formal alternative emphasizing acknowledgement of a one-hour postponement or obstruction with an added 's and correct grammar.

FAQs

How do I properly use "waiting for" with time durations?

When expressing how long you've been waiting, use "waiting for an hour" if it's one hour, or "waiting for hours" if it's more than one. For example, instead of "I'm waiting for hour", say "I'm waiting for an hour" or "I'm waiting for hours".

What's the correct way to specify a waiting time?

Use "an" before "hour" when referring to a single hour. Incorrect: "I was waiting for hour." Correct: "I was waiting for an hour." Alternatively, for longer durations, use the plural: "I was waiting for hours."

What can I say instead of "waiting for hour"?

Since "waiting for hour" is grammatically incorrect, you can use alternatives like "waiting for an hour" or "waiting for hours" depending on the context.

Is "waiting for hour" grammatically correct?

No, "waiting for hour" is not grammatically correct. The correct phrases are "waiting for an hour" (for a single hour) or "waiting for hours" (for multiple hours).