waiting for work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting for work" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being in which someone is anticipating or expecting work or tasks to be assigned or to begin. Example: "After submitting my application, I am now just waiting for work to come my way."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We are waiting for work".

The New York Times

You could spot them on street corners, waiting for work.

The New York Times

Some of those waiting for work said they are afraid of complaining.

The Washington Post

Knots of laborers from Central America gather all day on the mall's outskirts, waiting for work.

The New York Times

Several men waiting for work the other day said they were homeless.

The New York Times

All are waiting for work and most want to work on Father's Day.

The New York Times

Some Americans picket the Latinos every Saturday as they stand on the corners waiting for work.

The New York Times

Asked about work before the revolution, Naily Amine, 30, said, "My job was leaning against the wall, waiting for work".

The New York Times

Consider two caddies waiting for work one recent weekday at the caddy yard at Winged Foot Golf Club in Mamaroneck.

The New York Times

He said employers had the attitude of "If you don't like it, look at the line of people who are waiting for work", and added: "This is slavery".

Independent

Mr. Garcia said that he last saw his friend on Tuesday, waiting for work on the corner of 65th Street and 20th Avenue.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context to determine if a more specific term might be appropriate. For instance, use "job hunting" when emphasizing the active search, or "between jobs" when indicating a temporary state of unemployment.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting for work" when the subject is actively engaged in job-seeking activities. Instead, opt for phrases like "actively searching for employment" or "pursuing job opportunities" to highlight their proactive efforts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting for work" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as a noun. It describes a state of anticipation or readiness for employment, as demonstrated by Ludwig examples where individuals or groups are literally waiting to be assigned tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Academia

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting for work" is a versatile gerund phrase widely employed to depict a state of anticipation for employment or task assignment. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically sound and frequently encountered in news and media, academic writing and formal business contexts. When using the phrase, consider whether it accurately represents a passive state of readiness rather than active job-seeking. Alternatives like "awaiting employment" or "seeking employment" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation. The phrase maintains a generally neutral register, making it suitable for various writing styles. Its high frequency and consistent usage across authoritative sources underscore its reliability and clarity in conveying the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting employment

Formal alternative implying a passive state of expecting a job offer.

looking for a job

Focuses on the active process of seeking employment.

seeking employment

Similar to 'looking for a job' but more formal.

job hunting

Informal term for actively searching for a job.

on the lookout for work

Emphasizes vigilance and anticipation in finding employment.

between jobs

Indicates a temporary state of unemployment.

unemployed and seeking work

Explicitly states unemployment and the desire for work.

available for employment

Highlights availability and readiness to start working.

idle, awaiting a task

Highlights inactivity while anticipating tasks.

at leisure, between assignments

Suggests a temporary break while expecting a work assignment.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting for work" to describe someone who is unemployed and ready to start a job, such as, "The construction workers were "waiting for work" at the job site."

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

You can use alternatives like "awaiting employment", "looking for a job", or "seeking employment" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "waiting for work" or "waiting for a job"?

Both "waiting for work" and "waiting for a job" are grammatically correct, but "waiting for work" typically implies readiness for immediate tasks, while "waiting for a job" suggests a more general state of joblessness.

What's the difference between ""waiting for work"" and "looking for work"?

"Waiting for work" suggests a passive state of readiness, while "looking for work" implies actively seeking employment opportunities.