waiting for release

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting for release" is a perfectly valid phrase in written English.
You could use it to indicate that someone or something is detained or restricted in some way, and that they/it are/is awaiting permission or freedom to do something. For example: "The prisoners had been incarcerated for several years, eagerly waiting for release."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

They've been added to the administration's long list of people waiting for release, most for years.

The Guardian - Opinion

Other medical experts said they were waiting for release of the detailed data collected by the researchers before interpreting the study.

The New York Times - Health

About four minutes in, it switches to Bergdahl waiting for release in a battered pickup truck in scrubby wilderness just off a dirt road.

The Guardian

But a week later, while he was waiting for release, his case was referred to the Islamic, or Sharia, court on the basis that the crime he was charged of _ "haraabah," or armed robbery _ came under its jurisdiction.

The Washington Post

Within two weeks, the magic change from fertilized egg to larval fishlet is complete, but the perfectly formed little grunion is confined within the membranes of the egg, buried in the sand, waiting for release.

The New Yorker

At moments like these it's easy to see that her career trajectory, whizzing from unknown-ish actress with six completed movies waiting for release to Next Big Thing, means that almost every day holds something brand new for her.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

The work in the show came to Thompson through the detainees' lawyers, who have held onto them for safekeeping as their clients waited for release.

The New Yorker

You're waiting for the release and it never came.

The Guardian

I'm planning to read the novel while waiting for the release.

The Guardian - Film

They rippled through their tranquil pools, mending, waiting for their release back to the sea.

The New York Times

While sitting with Casey waiting for her release to be processed, Weyble and Easton took out their smartphones.

Cornell University

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "waiting for release", ensure the context clearly indicates what is being awaited and from what state of confinement or restriction. For instance, "The files are waiting for release to the public" is more specific than "The files are waiting for release."

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for release" without specifying what is being released. Unclear context can lead to confusion about whether it refers to people, information, or products.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for release" primarily functions as a participial phrase that modifies a noun or pronoun, indicating a state of anticipation or delay before something or someone is freed from confinement or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms this through its examples.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Academia

10%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for release" is a participial phrase used to describe a state of anticipation before freedom or availability is granted. As affirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically correct and commonly appears in news and media contexts. While its frequency is uncommon, understanding its usage nuances, such as avoiding ambiguous contexts and considering more formal alternatives like "awaiting liberation", can enhance writing clarity and precision. It's crucial to ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being awaited and from what restriction.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in anticipation of freedom

Highlights the positive expectation of gaining freedom.

awaiting liberation

Focuses on the act of being freed from a state of confinement or oppression.

waiting for authorization

Highlights the need for official permission before release.

expecting deliverance

Highlights the hope of being rescued or saved from a difficult situation.

expecting to be discharged

Implies a formal process of release, such as from a hospital or military service.

held pending clearance

Similar to 'detained until cleared', emphasizing the state of being held.

detained until cleared

Focuses on the legal or procedural aspect of being held until permission is granted.

confined pending decision

Emphasizes the lack of freedom due to an ongoing decision-making process.

biding time for unveiling

Emphasizes the delay before something is revealed or made public.

awaiting publication

Specifically relates to written works or information.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for release" to describe something or someone in a state of anticipation before being freed or made available. For example, "The hostages were "waiting for release" after the negotiations concluded".

What's a formal alternative to "waiting for release"?

In a formal context, consider using "awaiting liberation", "detained until cleared", or "held pending clearance" as alternatives to "waiting for release".

Is it correct to say "are awaiting release" instead of "waiting for release"?

Yes, "are awaiting release" is a grammatically correct and often more formal alternative to "waiting for release". Both phrases convey the same meaning.

What kinds of things can be described as "waiting for release"?

The phrase "waiting for release" can describe people (e.g., prisoners), information (e.g., documents), products (e.g., movies), or even abstract concepts (e.g., tension). It depends on the context in which "waiting for release" is used.