waiting for time

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for time" is not commonly used in written English and may sound awkward.
It could be used in contexts where one is anticipating a specific moment or period, but it is not a standard expression. Example: "I find myself waiting for time to pass before I can make my next move."

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

"People shouldn't be waiting for time to run out.

The New York Times

"He was really just waiting for time to go by.

The New Yorker

We were waiting for time to heal – and it doesn't.

The Guardian

They're just covering it up and waiting for time to pass".

The Guardian

A shadow expanding on the ground is the experience of premonition, of expectation, of waiting for time to close a circle.

The New Yorker

Instead of just waiting for time and urbanisation to make tribal identities fade,  two parallel tracks worth are considering.The first track is to build bridges between tribes.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

And those who stay silently out of politics are not all secular liberals waiting for times to change.

The Economist

"I've been waiting for times like these for nearly a decade," says Van Dyke.

Forbes

If you have time, don't wait for time".

The Economist

But I can build what I'm needing -- I don't need to wait for time.

The New York Times

I waited for time to pass and tried to keep my cabin fever at bay before I killed the village.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using more common and idiomatic alternatives such as "waiting for the right moment" or "biding your time" to enhance clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for time" when you actually mean simply waiting. The phrase is often perceived as awkward if a more specific and natural expression is available.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for time" functions as a verbal phrase, indicating a state of anticipation or expectation. It describes the act of someone who is in a phase of idleness or inaction until an expected moment. Ludwig AI examples show it used across different contexts, from personal situations to business and science.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

73%

Science

13%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for time" is used to convey a state of anticipation or temporary idleness before a specific event or opportunity arises. Though grammatically acceptable, Ludwig AI suggests that it is often more effective to use common idiomatic alternatives. Its usage spans across News & Media, Science and Wiki, with its register classified as neutral. Consider using phrases like "waiting for the right moment" or "biding one's time" for enhanced clarity and impact, as the phrase may sound awkward.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

biding one's time

This idiom implies waiting patiently for the right opportunity.

awaiting the opportune moment

This phrase emphasizes the strategic aspect of waiting for the best timing.

marking time

This implies a period of inactivity while waiting for something to happen.

killing time

This suggests passing time in a non-productive way.

passing the time

A general term for occupying oneself while waiting.

anticipating the moment

This phrase highlights the positive expectation associated with waiting.

expecting the right opportunity

This focuses on the expectation of a favorable circumstance.

sweating it out

Implies anxiously waiting for a result or event.

twiddling one's thumbs

An informal expression for being idle while waiting.

cooling one's heels

This implies waiting, often impatiently or reluctantly.

FAQs

What does "waiting for time" mean?

The phrase "waiting for time" suggests anticipating a specific moment or period, often with the implication that one is inactive until that moment arrives. However, it's not a standard or common English expression.

What can I say instead of "waiting for time"?

You can use alternatives like "waiting for the right moment", "biding one's time", or "marking time" depending on the specific context.

Is "waiting for time" grammatically correct?

While not strictly incorrect, "waiting for time" is not the most natural or idiomatic way to express the concept. Alternatives such as "waiting for the opportune moment" or "passing the time" are generally preferred.

When is it appropriate to use "waiting for time"?

Although not commonly used, "waiting for time" might be appropriate in specific contexts where you want to emphasize the act of waiting for the progression of time itself to bring about a change or opportunity. In most cases, however, more common alternatives are preferable.