waiting for us

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for us" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that someone or something is anticipating the arrival or action of a group that includes the speaker. Example: "The bus is waiting for us at the station, so we should hurry."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He's waiting for us.

The New York Times

It is waiting for us.

The New York Times

People were waiting for us.

The New York Times - Magazine

Waiting for us.

The New Yorker

They're waiting for us to lead".

The New York Times - Health

"They're waiting for us to act.

The New York Times - Health

"They're waiting for us to die".

The New Yorker

"They are waiting for us to act.

The New York Times - Health

People were still waiting for us.

The New Yorker

They are waiting for us to lead.

The New York Times - Health

They were simply waiting for us".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting for us" to create a sense of anticipation or expectation. It can effectively convey that something is prepared or set for your arrival or participation in something.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for us" when the subject is inanimate and cannot intentionally wait. For example, it's better to say "a solution is needed" than "a solution is waiting for us" if the solution isn't actively being developed or sought.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for us" functions primarily as a participial phrase, often acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It indicates a state of anticipation or readiness concerning a group of people that includes the speaker, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waiting for us" is a grammatically sound and commonly used participial phrase that conveys a sense of anticipation, expectation, or readiness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's widely used across various contexts, especially in News & Media. When writing, ensure that the subject can logically perform the action of waiting, and consider more formal alternatives like "awaiting us" to make your writing more professional. Keep in mind that while versatile, "waiting for us" serves best to express that something is prepared or that someone is anticipating a group's arrival or participation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting us

Focuses directly on the anticipation of someone's arrival, emphasizing the anticipation more than the preparation aspect.

they are expecting us

Highlights that someone is expecting the group. Can emphasize an arrangement or plan.

anticipating our arrival

A more formal and descriptive way to express expectation and foreknowledge of the group's coming.

awaiting us

A more formal synonym emphasizing anticipation and readiness for the arrival of the group.

looking forward to our arrival

Expresses eager anticipation and positive expectation of the group's coming.

lying in wait for us

Suggests a hidden or prepared position, possibly with a negative connotation of ambush or strategic anticipation.

ready for us

Emphasizes a state of preparedness to receive the group, focusing on readiness rather than anticipation.

everything is set for us

Indicates that arrangements have been completed in anticipation of the arrival of the group

prepared for us

Similar to "ready for us" but highlights the action of getting ready in advance of the group's arrival.

we are anticipated

Expresses a general sense of being expected without specifying details

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for us" to indicate that something is ready or available when you arrive, or that someone is expecting your arrival. For example, "Dinner is "waiting for us" at home" or "The team is "waiting for us" to begin the meeting".

What are some alternatives to "waiting for us"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "expecting us", "awaiting us", or "prepared for us".

Is it correct to say "waits for us" instead of "waiting for us"?

"Waits for us" is grammatically incorrect in most contexts because it uses the present tense instead of a continuous tense like "is waiting for us" or "was waiting for us". The phrase ""waiting for us"" implies an ongoing state of anticipation.

What's the difference between "waiting for us" and "awaiting us"?

"Waiting for us" is more common and informal, while "awaiting us" is more formal. Both convey the same basic meaning of expecting someone or something, but "awaiting" carries a slightly more dignified or ceremonial tone.