waiting for word

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for word" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when you are anticipating a message or information from someone, often in a context where communication is expected. Example: "I sent the proposal yesterday and am now waiting for word from the client about their decision."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

"We're waiting for word".

The Guardian

"I am waiting for word from my commander".

The New York Times

Waiting for word from Robert Giroux to begin revising "T & C".

The New Yorker

For its part, Oklahoma is aware of the issue and waiting for word from Texas.

The New York Times

US Soccer confirmed Wednesday that it was waiting for word from New York.

The New York Times

His two paintings abut each other and are titled, "Waiting for Word From Moon Repeat" and "Waiting for Word From Mars Repeat".

The New York Times

Maker was still waiting for word Monday morning on how everything went.

The Washington Post

So here we were, at the rest stop, waiting for word.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

3 human-written examples

Mr. Polhill's mother, Ruth, had been waiting for word all weekend in her apartment in Fishkill, N.Y.

The New York Times

At 10 o'clock this morning, the battalion was waiting for word to move out toward Seth bo.

The New York Times

His daughter was a senior at the school, waiting for word on what colleges she herself would get into.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting for word" when you are in a situation where you are expecting to receive information or a message from someone. It's suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using the past tense if the waiting is still ongoing. For example, instead of saying "I was waiting for word", say "I am waiting for word" if you are still expecting to receive it.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for word" functions as a verbal phrase, describing the state of anticipating communication or information. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is commonly used and grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Academia

12%

Formal & Business

7%

Less common in

Science

6%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting for word" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to describe the act of anticipating a message or information, as validated by Ludwig AI. It is prevalent in various contexts, including news, academia, and professional settings. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, its usage often implies a sense of expectancy or potential importance. Alternatives like "expecting news" or "awaiting communication" can be used depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey. When using the phrase, ensure the tense aligns with the ongoing nature of the waiting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expecting news

Focuses on the anticipation of receiving news specifically.

awaiting communication

Highlights the anticipation of any form of communication, not just verbal.

anticipating a message

Emphasizes the expectation of receiving a specific message.

expecting a response

Specifically looks for a reply or reaction.

awaiting further details

Highlights the need for more specific information.

on tenterhooks

Implies anxiety and suspense while waiting.

standing by for updates

Implies readiness to receive new information.

holding one's breath

Conveys a sense of anxious anticipation.

keeping one's ears open

Focuses on actively listening for information.

remaining in expectation

Suggests a state of continued anticipation.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for word" to describe a state of anticipation for news or information. For example, "We are waiting for word from the doctor about the test results".

What's a more formal alternative to "waiting for word"?

In a more formal context, you could use phrases like "awaiting communication" or "anticipating a message".

What's the difference between "waiting for news" and "waiting for word"?

"Waiting for news" is more general, referring to any kind of news. "Waiting for word" implies waiting for a specific message or piece of information from someone.

Is it correct to say "waiting on word" instead of "waiting for word"?

While "waiting on" is sometimes used colloquially, "waiting for word" is the more standard and widely accepted phrase in formal writing.