waiting for things

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for things" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where someone is anticipating or expecting various events or outcomes. Example: "I find myself just waiting for things to change in my life, hoping for better opportunities."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He hated waiting for things to explode.

The New Yorker

"We're still waiting for things to settle down".

The New York Times - Sports

HVB spent last year waiting for things to get better.

The Economist

"Most people are just waiting for things to get cheaper".

The Guardian - Opinion

Now he's kind of waiting for things to develop.

The New York Times - Sports

"Right now, we're waiting for things to happen," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

Across Turkey, people are waiting for things to get better.

The New York Times

"You can't stand around waiting for things to happen," he said.

The New York Times

"You spend a lot of time waiting for things to happen while on tour".

The New York Times

The companies that are just waiting for things to get better might not be so fortunate.

The New York Times

We are not sitting back and waiting for things to get better.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting for things" when emphasizing a period of anticipation or expectation. It's suitable when describing a state of readiness or observing how events unfold.

Common error

Don't use "waiting for things" if you intend to convey proactive action. Instead of passively waiting, consider phrases that imply taking initiative or making things happen.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for things" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun or part of a noun phrase. It describes the act of anticipating events or developments, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for things" is a common and grammatically correct gerund phrase used to describe the act of anticipating events or developments. Ludwig AI confirms its proper usage across various contexts, primarily in News & Media. While versatile, it's essential to use it intentionally and consider alternatives like "anticipating events" or "awaiting developments" for greater precision. Avoiding passive voice and seeking proactive phrasing can enhance writing when appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

taking a wait-and-see approach

Implies a deliberate decision to delay action until more information is available or the situation becomes clearer.

anticipating events

Focuses on the act of foreseeing and preparing for future occurrences, emphasizing a more active mental engagement.

expecting outcomes

Highlights the anticipation of specific results or consequences, often with a sense of certainty or inevitability.

awaiting developments

Emphasizes the ongoing nature of a situation and the need to observe how it unfolds before taking action.

biding one's time

Suggests a strategic approach of waiting patiently for an opportune moment to act, implying a degree of control.

holding back

Suggests restraint and delayed action, implying a conscious decision not to intervene or participate immediately.

standing by

Indicates readiness and availability to act when needed, but with a passive stance in the interim.

keeping options open

Prioritizes flexibility and avoiding premature commitments, allowing for adjustments based on future events.

observing the situation

Highlights the importance of careful monitoring and analysis before making any decisions or taking action.

remaining passive

Underlines the state of inactivity and non-intervention, potentially implying a lack of agency or influence.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for things" to describe a state of anticipation. For example, "They are "waiting for things" to get better before investing."

What's a more proactive alternative to "waiting for things"?

If you want to show initiative, try phrases like "taking action" or "making things happen" instead of "waiting for things".

Is it always negative to talk about "waiting for things"?

Not necessarily. Sometimes "waiting for things" is a strategic decision, like "biding one's time" or "taking a wait-and-see approach".

Can I use "waiting for things" in formal writing?

Yes, "waiting for things" is acceptable in formal writing, but consider stronger alternatives like "awaiting developments" or "anticipating outcomes" if you need a more precise tone.