waiting for traffic

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting for traffic" is correct and usable in written English.
For example, you might use the phrase in the following sentence: The driver was forced to wait for traffic to clear before making a left turn.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

16 human-written examples

And while I am loath to admit it, I floss in my rearview mirror while waiting for traffic lights to turn green.

The New York Times - Health

"Suddenly one of [the protesters] noticed that in one of the cars waiting for traffic to move were two young dark-skinned men, apparently foreign workers.

The Guardian

Others have reported standing at the edge of pedestrian plazas for several minutes, waiting for traffic that never seems to come, or for a generous passer-by to tell them it never will.

The New York Times

While waiting for traffic to clear, drivers pulled off into gas station parking lots, reported the News Journal, and one woman opened all her car doors, climbed into her trunk and read a paperback book.

The Washington Post

Airports should not be content just waiting for traffic to arrive, he says; they should make new opportunities for themselves.If one does not set much stock by the need for a single dominant hub, there is a lot of expansion possible in London's lesser airports.

The Economist

The car will also synchronise your emails, which can be read out aloud, or let you respond to Facebook messages while waiting for traffic lights to turn green.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

44 human-written examples

When we drove home, he explained the importance of Chopra's call to "acceptance" while we waited for traffic to thin out on the Santa Monica Freeway.

The New Yorker

I can't help it big signs on the side of the road shout newspaper headlines to me as I wait for traffic to move.

The Economist

Delays cascade down the line, trips take longer as trains wait for traffic ahead of them to clear, and the system struggles to recover.

The New York Times

The New Yorker, December 8 , 1928P. 21 Rolls is forced to wait for traffic light and a ragged tramp, corncob pipe in his mouth, stops, looks it all over, and finally knocks his pipe out on the front fender.

The New Yorker

A third bill, which would fine drivers who don't wait for traffic to pass before opening their doors, was quashed in the same House transportation subcommittee that had stalled so many bike bills before.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a delay, be specific about the cause. Instead of just saying "I was delayed", say "I was delayed waiting for traffic to clear after an accident".

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for traffic" when you mean "waiting in traffic". The former implies a temporary pause before entering traffic, while the latter suggests being already caught in it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for traffic" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun in a sentence. It describes the action of pausing or remaining stationary until the flow of vehicles permits safe passage or movement. Ludwig AI confirms that the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for traffic" is a grammatically correct and commonly used gerund phrase that describes the act of pausing or being delayed due to vehicular congestion. Ludwig AI validates its correctness, and it appears most frequently in news and media contexts. While versatile, it's important to distinguish between "waiting for traffic" (a temporary pause before entering) and "waiting in traffic" (being stuck within a congested flow). When writing, consider using more specific language to convey the reason for the delay for better clarity. You can also find alternatives such as "pausing for traffic" or "yielding to oncoming vehicles".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

idling in traffic

Focuses on the state of inactivity within traffic.

stuck in a traffic jam

Emphasizes the feeling of being trapped and unable to move.

delayed by traffic

Highlights the consequence of traffic on one's schedule.

held up by congestion

Uses more formal language to describe a similar situation.

at a standstill due to traffic

Describes the traffic as being completely stopped.

queuing in traffic

Emphasizes the linear nature of waiting in a line of cars.

pausing for traffic

Implies a momentary stop before continuing.

observing the flow of traffic

Focuses on watching the movement of vehicles.

yielding to oncoming vehicles

Highlights the act of giving way to other cars.

monitoring road conditions

Implies actively checking the state of the traffic before proceeding.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "waiting for traffic" to sound more formal?

In more formal contexts, consider using phrases such as "experiencing traffic delays" or "subject to traffic congestion". These options sound more professional and suitable for business or academic writing.

What's the difference between "waiting for traffic" and "waiting in traffic"?

"Waiting for traffic" typically implies a brief pause before merging into the flow of vehicles, whereas "waiting in traffic" suggests being already stuck within a congested area.

How to use "waiting for traffic" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting for traffic" to describe the act of pausing or stopping before safely proceeding into or across a street. For example, "The pedestrian was waiting for traffic to subside before crossing the road."

Are there any synonyms for "waiting for traffic" that still convey the same meaning?

Yes, alternatives include "pausing for traffic", "yielding to traffic", or "awaiting clearance of traffic", depending on the nuance you want to convey.