waiting for someone

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting for someone" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use this phrase to describe someone who is expecting the arrival of another person. For example, "The anxious mother was waiting for someone at the airport arrivals gate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Waiting for someone to yell "Attica".

The New York Times

They are waiting for someone.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"Are they waiting for someone to die?

The New York Times

We are waiting for someone to die".

The Guardian

Presumably he was waiting for someone.

The New York Times - Magazine

He declines, but hangs around as if waiting for someone.

University of California, Berkeley

— while waiting for someone in England to come calling.

The New York Times

He is waiting for someone, he says.The policeman laughs.

The Economist

What are you waiting for?" someone called out.

The New York Times - Magazine

I'm just waiting for someone to pinch me".

The New York Times - Sports

I've been waiting for someone to come over, say hello.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to choose a more precise synonym if needed. For example, use "expecting someone" if you want to emphasize the anticipation.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for someone" in unnecessarily passive constructions. Instead of saying "Assistance is waiting for someone to request it", a more direct version is "We're waiting for someone to request assistance".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for someone" functions as a present participle phrase, indicating an ongoing action. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English. The phrase typically modifies a noun or pronoun, describing who or what is in a state of waiting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for someone" is a common and grammatically correct way to express anticipation or expectation of another person's arrival. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, from news articles to academic papers. While synonyms like "expecting someone" or "awaiting someone's arrival" offer subtle variations in meaning, "waiting for someone" remains a versatile and readily understood expression. Just be mindful of overly passive constructions and consider more direct phrasing when possible. Be sure to always use "waiting for someone" to clearly indicate the anticipation of someone's arrival.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting someone

This alternative focuses on the anticipation of someone's arrival.

awaiting someone's arrival

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes the act of awaiting.

anticipating someone

This alternative highlights the feeling of anticipation.

looking out for someone

This suggests watching and waiting with the intention of spotting them.

standing by for someone

This implies readiness to assist or receive someone.

on the lookout for someone

Focuses on the act of actively searching while waiting.

biding time for someone

Suggests waiting patiently until the right moment for someone.

remaining for someone

Emphasizes staying in place until someone arrives.

lingering for someone

Implies waiting in a relaxed or leisurely manner.

tarrying for someone

A more archaic term for delaying or remaining in a place while waiting.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for someone" to describe the action of expecting someone's arrival. For example, "She was "waiting for someone" at the train station".

What are some alternatives to "waiting for someone"?

Alternatives include "expecting someone", "awaiting someone's arrival", or "anticipating someone", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "waiting on someone" the same as "waiting for someone"?

"Waiting on someone" can sometimes mean serving someone, like in a restaurant. "Waiting for someone" specifically means expecting their arrival.

When is it appropriate to use "awaiting someone" instead of "waiting for someone"?

"Awaiting someone" is more formal and less common than "waiting for someone". Use "awaiting someone" in formal or professional contexts.