waiting for orders

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for orders" is correct and can be used in written English.
You can use it when describing situations in which someone is waiting to be given instructions on what to do. For example, "The soldiers stood at attention, waiting for orders from their commander."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are waiting for orders".

Independent

He's just waiting for orders from police".

The Guardian

But he's still waiting for orders from the big stores.

The New York Times

"We are just waiting for orders," the police chief said.

The Guardian

"We were waiting for orders," he said, "but they never came".

The New York Times

"We have about 500 to 600 fighters here from Orakzai, waiting for orders," he said.

The New York Times

The flood was on Monday and now on Wednesday we're still waiting for orders".

Independent

His men, heavily armed, sat in the mansion's front yard waiting for orders.

The New York Times

We are waiting for orders, but we are not receiving any".

The Guardian

There, in the dark, men from his company stood to attention, waiting for orders.

The New Yorker

"We are still waiting for orders from our government," Antonio Dell'Anna, an Italian navy spokesman in Rome, added.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider varying your phrasing to avoid repetition. While "waiting for orders" is perfectly acceptable, using synonyms like "awaiting instructions" or "standing by for directions" can add nuance and interest to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for orders" passively without clarifying who is expected to give the orders. The lack of a clearly defined source of authority can weaken the sentence and create confusion about accountability.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for orders" primarily functions as a verbal phrase that describes a state of anticipation or readiness. Ludwig shows that it often modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating who is in this state. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which confirms its proper usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

84%

Wiki

6%

Science

4%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for orders" is a very common and grammatically correct expression used to describe a state of preparedness and anticipation, pending further instructions. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used across various contexts, particularly in news and media. While the phrase is generally neutral, it can lean towards formal depending on the source. When using "waiting for orders", ensure clarity regarding who is waiting and from whom the orders are expected. Consider using synonyms like "awaiting instructions" or "standing by for directions" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting instructions

Replaces "orders" with "instructions", emphasizing the specific directions being waited for.

standing by for directions

Emphasizes the readiness to act once directions are received.

awaiting commands

Similar to "awaiting instructions", but more formal and often used in military contexts.

holding position pending instructions

More specific, indicating a temporary halt while waiting for further guidance.

in a holding pattern

An idiomatic expression indicating a state of suspended activity.

at the ready

Conveys a sense of preparedness and anticipation.

on standby

Indicates being available and prepared to respond.

marking time

Implies a temporary inactivity while waiting.

taking a pause

Highlights the interruption of an activity.

shelving activity

Implies that something is halted until new information or instructions arrive.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for orders" to describe a situation where someone is ready to act but needs instructions before proceeding. For example, "The troops were "waiting for orders" before advancing."

What's a more formal way to say "waiting for orders"?

In more formal contexts, you could use phrases like "awaiting instructions" or "standing by for directions".

Can "waiting for orders" imply a lack of initiative?

Yes, in some contexts, "waiting for orders" can imply a lack of proactivity. If you want to convey initiative, consider phrases like "acting autonomously" or "taking the lead without "waiting for orders"".

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

While similar, "waiting for instructions" is generally broader and can apply to various tasks, while "waiting for orders" often implies a more hierarchical structure or a situation involving authority, such as in the military or workplace.