waiting period

USAGE SUMMARY

"waiting period" is a correct and usable expression in written English.
You can use it to refer to a time interval which must pass before a certain event or action can occur. For example: "We had to go through a six-month waiting period before we were allowed to adopt a dog."

✓ Grammatically correct

Academia

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(d Strike waiting period.

Cornell University

(c)General waiting period.

Cornell University

§ 803.11 Termination of waiting period.

Cornell University

(f Claim required for waiting period.

Cornell University

What happened during the inconceivably prolonged waiting period is irrelevant.

Britannica

If so, what is the waiting period?

Forbes

Can I use benefit time during the waiting period?

Duke University

Amongst these are a waiting period of 24 months.

Comparative Migration Studies

We denote a relayer's waiting period as ΔT.

EURASIP Journal on Wireless Communications and Networking

We decided on waiting period of 20 s.

EURASIP Journal on Audio, Speech, and Music Processing

Then there's a waiting period to get cash.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about legal or official procedures, specify the exact duration of the "waiting period" to avoid ambiguity. For example, instead of saying "there is a waiting period", state "there is a 30-day waiting period".

Common error

Avoid using "waiting period" when you actually mean "probationary period". A "waiting period" is a set amount of time that must pass before something can happen, whereas a "probationary period" is a trial period to assess someone's suitability, often in employment.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting period" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It refers to a specific duration that must elapse before a particular action or event can occur. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Academia

20%

News & Media

33%

Science

22%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

8%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "waiting period" is a grammatically sound and frequently employed noun phrase, denoting a specific duration that must pass before an event or action can take place. As Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is correct. The analysis of Ludwig’s examples reveals that it is commonly used across various domains, including academia, news media, and scientific research. While its register is generally neutral, it's crucial to specify the duration of the "waiting period" for clarity and avoid confusing it with terms like "probationary period". Related phrases, such as "qualifying period" and "deferral period", offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, each with slightly different connotations. Therefore, when writing, be precise and consider the context to ensure accurate and effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Qualifying period

Focuses on meeting specific requirements before eligibility, emphasizing the fulfillment of criteria during the interval.

Standby time

Implies a state of readiness or availability during the interim, suggesting a potential for immediate action once the period concludes.

Lag time

Emphasizes the delay or gap between cause and effect or between initiation and response.

Incubation period

Often used in medical or biological contexts, referring to the time between exposure and the manifestation of symptoms or effects.

Deferral period

Indicates a postponement or delay, implying that something is intentionally put off until after the specified duration.

Cooling-off period

Specifically denotes a timeframe for reconsideration or cancellation, often associated with contracts or purchases.

Interim duration

Highlights the temporary nature of the time frame, often used when describing a temporary state or solution.

Time buffer

Implies an additional time allocated to accommodate unexpected delays or issues.

Moratorium

Suggests a temporary prohibition or suspension of an activity.

Delayed onset

Focuses on the time before something starts or becomes effective.

FAQs

How is the "waiting period" typically used in a sentence?

The phrase "waiting period" is usually followed by a preposition such as "for" or "of", specifying what the waiting period applies to. For instance, "There is a waiting period for benefits" or "The waiting period of eligibility is three months".

What are some alternatives to using the phrase "waiting period"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "qualifying period", "standby time", or "deferral period". Each of these carries a slightly different connotation.

Is it correct to say "waiting period time"? Does the word "period" make "time" redundant?

While not strictly incorrect, saying "waiting period time" can be redundant. The word "period" already implies a duration of time, so it is generally more concise and preferable to simply use "waiting period".

What's the difference between a "waiting period" and an "elimination period"?

In the context of insurance, while both terms refer to a time delay, a "waiting period" generally refers to the time before coverage begins. An "elimination period", also known as a "deductible period", is the time between when a disability begins and when you start receiving benefit payments.