waiting for instructions

USAGE SUMMARY

The sentence 'waiting for instructions' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when referring to someone who has been asked to perform a task, but is not sure how to go about it and is therefore awaiting further guidance. For example, "The new employee was waiting for instructions on how to complete the task."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

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

The Guardian

Other diplomats said Mr. Burleigh spent a lot of time working phones and waiting for instructions.

The New York Times

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

The Guardian - Music

In other words, don't sit on your hands waiting for instructions or permission from your boss.

Stanford University

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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 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

Only the clipboard in his hand and the small group of students circling around him, waiting for instruction for the day's assignment, suggest otherwise.

Johns Hopkins University

He didn't wait for instructions from someone in Washington.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting for instructions" to clearly convey that someone is ready to act but lacks the necessary information or direction to proceed. This phrase works well in both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

While "waiting for instructions" accurately describes a state, ensure it doesn't imply a lack of initiative. If possible, add context about proactive steps taken while waiting, to show engagement and responsibility.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for instructions" functions as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes a state of being in which someone or something is in a state of preparedness, ready to act upon receiving guidance. Ludwig AI validates this usage.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for instructions" is a common and grammatically correct participial phrase used to describe a state of readiness pending guidance. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread usage. It's frequently found in news, academic, and scientific contexts. While versatile, avoid using it in ways that suggest passivity. Alternatives such as "awaiting guidance" or "standing by for orders" can offer nuanced variations in formality and context. This phrase serves to convey a temporary pause pending guidance from superiors or others in command.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting directions

Focuses on the act of expecting directions, rather than a broader set of guidelines.

awaiting further guidance

Similar, but specifically refers to 'guidance' offering help, direction, or advice.

standing by for orders

Implies a more formal or military context, suggesting readiness for command.

pending further orders

Similar to standing by, often used in hierarchical organizations.

on hold pending guidance

Highlights the temporary suspension of activity until guidance is received.

expecting commands

Emphasizes anticipation of specific commands rather than general instructions.

in anticipation of directives

More formal and highlights that directives are expected.

prepared for assignment

Focuses on readiness for an assignment, implying a specific task.

ready for assignment

Similar to 'prepared for assignment', this phrase simply specifies a state of readiness.

standing ready to act

Highlights a state of readiness and ability to take action.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for instructions" to describe a state of readiness pending guidance, such as: "The team was "waiting for instructions" from the manager before proceeding with the project."

What's a more formal alternative to "waiting for instructions"?

A more formal alternative is "awaiting further guidance", which implies a similar state of anticipation but is suitable for professional contexts.

Which is correct, "waiting for instructions" or "waiting on instructions"?

"Waiting for instructions" is the standard and more widely accepted phrasing. "Waiting on instructions" is less common, but depending on dialect and regional use, might also be acceptable.

What does it mean to be "standing by for orders" versus "waiting for instructions"?

"Standing by for orders" typically implies a formal, often military or hierarchical, context where commands are expected. "Waiting for instructions" is more general and can apply in various settings where guidance is needed.