waiting not

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting not" is correct and can be used in written English, though it is somewhat archaic or poetic.
You can use it in contexts where you want to convey a sense of urgency or immediacy, often in a literary or dramatic style. Example: "In the face of danger, she chose to act, waiting not for permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

South, waiting not on tomorrow, leapt straight to six hearts.

The New York Times

He's a victim in waiting, not a central character.

The Guardian - Books

When the locomotive got to 65th Street, 32 cars were waiting, not 14.

The New York Times

We are a Labour government in waiting, not a protest movement".

The Guardian

They have a room waiting (not kitted out - 'that would be tempting fate').

The Guardian

When the first officer arrived at 7 17, Mr. Zimmerman was waiting not far from the body.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

20 human-written examples

But wait: not true.

The New York Times - Food

No, wait – not a bar, a museum.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Oh, no wait, not this time.

The Guardian - Sport

But wait, not so fast, SXSW society.

TechCrunch

Oh wait, not yet.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When conveying urgency or the immediate nature of an action, consider "waiting not" as a stylistic choice to elevate the tone.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting not" in casual conversation or informal writing, as it can sound unnatural or overly formal. Opt for simpler alternatives like "not waiting" or "without delay" in these situations.

Linguistic Context

Waiting not functions as a participial phrase often used to negate or emphasize the immediacy of an action. The construction, though grammatically sound, is less common in contemporary usage. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage, though suggesting it may sound slightly archaic.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "waiting not" is grammatically correct but carries a slightly archaic or formal tone, as highlighted by Ludwig. While it effectively emphasizes immediacy and decisiveness, it's best reserved for literary, historical, or formal contexts. For contemporary or casual use, alternatives like "without waiting" or "not delaying" are generally more appropriate. Its occurrence is more common in News & Media and Scientific writings. Remember to consider your audience and the desired tone when choosing between "waiting not" and its more common alternatives. "Waiting not" appears to be correct and can be used in written English, with a sense of urgency or immediacy in a literary or dramatic style.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without waiting

Directly replaces the negative construction with a positive action, focusing on the immediacy.

not delaying

Emphasizes the avoidance of postponement rather than the act of waiting itself.

acting immediately

Shifts focus to the action taken rather than the absence of waiting.

forthwith

A more formal and archaic term for 'immediately'.

without hesitation

Highlights the decisiveness and lack of pause before acting.

promptly acting

Combines quickness and action, similar to 'acting immediately' but slightly more formal.

taking swift action

Emphasizes the speed and decisiveness of the response.

avoiding delay

Focuses on preventing any kind of postponement.

not tarrying

An older, more literary way of saying 'not delaying'.

without pause

Stresses the continuous nature of the action, leaving no room for waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting not" in a sentence?

Use "waiting not" to emphasize immediate action or a lack of hesitation. For example, "The general, "waiting not" for reinforcements, ordered the attack."

What are some alternatives to "waiting not"?

You can use alternatives like "without waiting", "not delaying", or "acting immediately" depending on the context.

Is it grammatically correct to say "waiting not"?

Yes, "waiting not" is grammatically correct, although it is less common in modern English and can sound slightly archaic or formal.

When is it appropriate to use "waiting not" instead of "not waiting"?

Use "waiting not" when you want to add a touch of formality or a sense of urgency to your writing. It is often found in literary or historical contexts where a more elevated tone is desired.