waiting to ask

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting to ask" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is in a state of anticipation or readiness to pose a question. Example: "I was waiting to ask my professor about the assignment during office hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

25 human-written examples

"But they weren't waiting to ask".

The New York Times - Sports

"How did it open?" The exec has been waiting to ask that one.

The New York Times

And there was a Johnson waiting to ask him questions if he batted.

The Guardian - Sport

"I do not understand why the government is waiting to ask for help from Brussels".

The Guardian - Business

Burton had more to say, but Foster reminded him that there were many others waiting to ask questions.

The New Yorker

Mr. Rajoy's critics said it would be better to not risk such an outcome by waiting to ask for aid.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

34 human-written examples

They waited to ask her questions, about her first dunk, about her advice for younger players.

The New York Times - Sports

"The pharmacist is often the person a patient will wait to ask the questions to," he said.

The New York Times

The White House waited to ask Congress for money for the secret mission, further evidence of Mr. Obama's continued misgivings.

The New York Times

The Imagine festival children's panel couldn't wait to ask the awesome Skulduggery creator all about being an author!

The Guardian

They wait to ask Olympians if they can take a photograph wearing their medals; in at least one case, the request was granted.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

If the context is highly formal, consider alternatives like "preparing to inquire" or "intending to ask".

Common error

Ensure the context clearly indicates who is "waiting to ask" and from whom the question will be asked. Ambiguity can arise if the subject and object are not explicitly stated or easily inferred.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting to ask" functions as a gerund phrase, acting as a noun. It often describes a state of anticipation or readiness. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts, from reporters anticipating comments to individuals preparing questions.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting to ask" is a commonly used gerund phrase that effectively conveys a sense of anticipation or delayed questioning. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and appears frequently in News & Media. When using this phrase, it's important to ensure clarity regarding who is waiting and what question they intend to pose. While it's suitable for various contexts, consider more formal alternatives like "preparing to inquire" for professional writing. Common errors involve ambiguity, so clear context is essential. Remember that while "waiting to ask" implies a pause, alternatives like "eager to ask" suggest enthusiasm. Overall, "waiting to ask" is a versatile phrase for describing a state of readiness before posing a question.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

about to inquire

Focuses on the imminence of asking a question.

intending to ask

Highlights the intention behind waiting.

getting ready to question

Focuses on the preparation for asking.

on the verge of questioning

Emphasizes the threshold of asking a question.

intending to inquire

Similar to 'intending to ask' but uses a more formal verb.

about to pose a question

Formally expresses the action of asking.

on the brink of asking

Emphasizes the proximity to the act of asking.

considering to ask

Highlights the thought process before asking.

preparing to interrogate

Implies a more formal or intense questioning.

poised to interrogate

Suggests a readiness for a thorough questioning.

FAQs

How can I use "waiting to ask" in a sentence?

You can use "waiting to ask" to describe someone who is holding back a question. For example, "The students were "waiting to ask" the guest speaker about their research." It emphasizes a sense of anticipation or a pause before posing the question.

What can I say instead of "waiting to ask"?

Alternatives to "waiting to ask" include phrases like "preparing to inquire", "intending to ask", or "about to pose a question", depending on the formality and tone you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "waiting to ask" and "eager to ask"?

While both phrases convey readiness to ask a question, "waiting to ask" implies a pause or a holding back, whereas "eager to ask" suggests enthusiasm and impatience. The choice depends on the specific nuance you want to communicate.

When is it appropriate to use "waiting to ask" in professional writing?

Using "waiting to ask" is appropriate in professional writing when describing a deliberate pause or a strategic holding back of a question. For instance, "The team members were "waiting to ask" their manager about the budget cuts until after the client meeting."