waiting for instruction

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for instruction" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is anticipating guidance or direction from another person or source. Example: "The team is currently waiting for instruction from the project manager before proceeding with the next steps."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

They just sit there waiting for instruction.

The New York Times - Science

Kym Sojourna stands in front of the camera, waiting for instruction.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

As this is being said, one of the characters stands dithering in confusion, as if waiting for instruction.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Many of the people here are waiting for instructions from the men they call their chief.

The Guardian

Inside fans are sitting, chatting, eating complimentary hot chips and excitedly waiting for instructions.

The Guardian - Music

One official said: "They seem to be waiting for instructions from Kim Jong Il," the North Korean leader.

The New York Times

Outside bankers and lawyers assigned to the project have put it on "permanent hold," waiting for instructions, The Times said.

The New York Times

As the detainees milled about waiting for instructions, Iraqi soldiers opened fire on the crowd, Mr. Shaati said.

The New York Times

"We all know the government is waiting for instructions from Beijing, which are expected sometime in August".

The Guardian

The stranger, who turns out to be the ex-diver's younger brother, stands beside them, waiting for instructions.

The New Yorker

Facing the crowd at Judge Roberts's funeral on Tuesday, Mr. Wolfe paused, as if he were waiting for instructions.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waiting for instruction", ensure the context clearly indicates who is providing the instruction and what the expected outcome is. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Be careful to not use "waiting for instruction" in a context where it's unclear who will provide said instruction. Vague sentences like "The project is waiting for instruction" can be improved by specifying the source: "The project is waiting for instruction from the lead engineer."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for instruction" functions as a prepositional phrase modifying a verb or noun. Ludwig AI indicates its correctness. The phrase indicates a state of being in which someone or something is in a state of readiness, pending guidance from an external source.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Science

17%

Formal & Business

17%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for instruction" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of anticipation for guidance or directives. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides usage examples, its frequency is relatively rare. It commonly appears in news and media, with neutral formality. Alternative phrases such as "awaiting direction" or "standing by for orders" can be used depending on the specific context. When using the phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the source of the instruction. It's also helpful to discern if a single instruction or multiple "instructions" are expected.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting direction

Replaces "waiting" with "awaiting", which is more formal, and "instruction" with "direction", implying general guidance.

standing by for orders

Implies readiness and anticipation of commands, often used in military or hierarchical contexts.

awaiting commands

Similar to "standing by for orders", but focuses specifically on commands rather than broader instructions.

pending guidance

Highlights the state of being in suspense until guidance is received.

looking for direction

Emphasizes the active search for guidance, rather than passively waiting.

in anticipation of guidance

Highlights the expectation and readiness to act once guidance is provided.

expecting directives

Focuses on the expectation of receiving specific directives or orders.

on hold pending instructions

Indicates that progress is paused until instructions are received.

remaining idle until directed

Emphasizes the state of inactivity until someone provides direction.

poised for guidance

Highlights the readiness and eagerness to receive guidance and take action.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for instruction" to describe a state of readiness or anticipation. For example: "The team is currently waiting for instruction from the project manager" or "The students are waiting for instruction before starting the experiment".

What's the difference between "waiting for instruction" and "waiting for instructions"?

The singular "instruction" implies a single set of directions, while the plural "instructions" suggests multiple sets or a series of directions. The choice depends on whether one comprehensive directive or several specific directives are anticipated.

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

You can use alternatives like "awaiting direction", "standing by for orders", or "looking for direction" depending on the context.

Is "waiting for instruction" grammatically correct?

Yes, "waiting for instruction" is grammatically correct. It follows standard English syntax and is widely used in both formal and informal contexts.