waiting like that

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting like that" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a specific manner or style of waiting, often implying impatience or discomfort. Example: "She stood in the hallway, waiting like that, unsure of what to do next."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

"Oh my, I would never keep anyone waiting like that," she says, aghast.

The Guardian - Music

"Who keeps the military waiting like that?" asked one Port Authority officer called in to watch the place and enforce the strict - and perhaps puzzling for such an event - no-press mandate.

The New York Times

"Who keeps the military waiting like that?" one Port Authority officer asked.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

56 human-written examples

He waited like that for two years before finally, on November 7 2000, he was moved to Broadmoor.

The Guardian

How long can you wait like that?" Outside Zeriab, the streets in the Old City were quiet and virtually empty.

The New Yorker

He told Zink she should have gone through with her pregnancy and then assessed the baby's health once it was "in front of [her]." "Ms. Zink, having my great sympathy and empathy both, I still come back wondering, shouldn't we wait, like that couple did, and see if the child can survive before we decide to rip him apart?" Gohmert said.

Huffington Post

During that time, I remember how I seemed to be always waiting, like the Red Sox fan that I am, for next year.

The New York Times

It's there waiting, like a roaring fire or that terry-cloth robe with the lipstick stains or that certain voice you can neither remember nor forget.

The New Yorker

Well, why don't we act like the old folks, why don't we sell off, and take one bag apiece and go to California, or in the desert where they have the farms the retirement farms, the old folks' cities? Why don't we settle in to waiting, like... like the camels that we saw in Egypt groan down on all fours, sigh, and eat the grass, or whatever it is.

The New Yorker

A year after Kim Jong-un made his public debut as North Korea's leader-in-waiting, scenes like that — the old party elite groveling — have become a staple of North Korea's propagandist media, a crucial tool for the country's leader, Kim Jong-il, to elevate his son as his successor.

The New York Times

"I was waiting for a good look like that all night".

Los Angeles Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "waiting like that" to vividly describe a specific manner of waiting, particularly when emphasizing an unusual or noteworthy aspect of it.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting like that" in highly formal or academic writing. Opt for more precise and professional alternatives such as "waiting in that manner" or specifying the method of waiting directly.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting like that" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb to describe the manner in which someone is waiting. It provides additional detail about the act of waiting, as confirmed by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waiting like that" is a grammatically correct and usable expression that describes a particular manner of waiting. Ludwig confirms its validity. While most common in news and media contexts, it's advisable to use more formal alternatives like "waiting in that manner" in academic or professional settings. The phrase is most effective when aiming to create a vivid image of the waiting process, conveying the specific mood or actions of the person waiting. Keep this advice in mind to ensure clarity and appropriateness in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

waiting in that manner

Replaces 'like that' with a more formal term, emphasizing the style or method of waiting.

waiting in such a way

Similar to "waiting in that manner", but with a slightly different emphasis on the specific way the waiting is being performed.

waiting in that fashion

Synonymous with "waiting in that manner", implying a particular style or demeanor during the wait.

waiting in this way

More direct, indicating a specific observed method of waiting.

waiting in a similar fashion

Indicates a likeness to a previously described method of waiting.

waiting as such

A more concise and somewhat formal way to refer back to a described method of waiting.

waiting in that position

Implies a specific physical stance or placement while waiting.

waiting in that state

Focuses on the condition or emotional state of the person while waiting.

waiting under those circumstances

Highlights the specific context or conditions in which the waiting occurs.

waiting given those conditions

Similar to "waiting under those circumstances", emphasizing the external factors influencing the wait.

FAQs

What does "waiting like that" imply?

The phrase "waiting like that" suggests a specific and often noticeable way of waiting. It can imply impatience, resignation, or a particular posture or behavior exhibited while waiting.

Is "waiting like that" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "waiting like that" is generally more suitable for informal or descriptive writing. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "waiting in that manner" or specifying the details of how the person was waiting.

What are some alternatives to "waiting like that"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "waiting in that fashion", "waiting in that state", or describing the specific actions or expressions of the person waiting.

How can I make my description of waiting more vivid?

Instead of simply saying someone was "waiting like that", try to describe their posture, facial expressions, or actions. For example, "She was tapping her foot impatiently, waiting like that, her eyes darting around the room" provides a more detailed picture.