waiting to complete

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "waiting to complete" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, you can use it in the following sentence: "The students eagerly awaited the instructor's arrival, waiting to complete the assignment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

He followed the sailor's antics, waiting to complete the dark yin of the sailor's service dress blues with the white yang of the woman's uniform.

The Guardian - Opinion

The companies said the designation meant that they could file parts of the application as study results became available, instead of waiting to complete all of the research.

The New York Times

David Schuster, who was in terviewed in his room in Uni versity Hospital, was in the basement corridor waiting to complete a night‐shift experi ment when he was knocked un conscious by the Monday morn ing blast.

The New York Times

By Tuesday, our fifth day in town, the lousy weather had left Gabi a backlog of four students waiting to complete what was nominally our second four-hour period of instruction.

The New York Times - Magazine

The committee is waiting to complete its report after a fact-finding mission to the region, but its members are known to be anxious over the reports of planned ground troops.

The Guardian

To get the state's blessing on the rebate before the Legislature adjourned, a courier rushed legal papers up to Albany, arranging a special drop-off along a highway in Newburgh, where another courier was waiting to complete the delivery.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

Murray has his chances on the three break points, but has to wait to complete the kill.

The Guardian - Sport

On Monday, however, the department said it would wait to complete a full environmental impact assessment and then allow for an additional 90 days of interagency consultation.

The New York Times

Mr. Cammarata said that if the board waited to complete a strategic review of its buildings and staff, it might never get around to selling its current headquarters.

The New York Times

A rarely used NBA rule forced the teams to wait to complete the trade until 30 days after Wiggins signed his rookie contract.

The Guardian - Sport

By Sally McGrane September 15, 2015 Refugees from Syria, Afghanistan, and other areas wait to complete mandatory registration at the State Office for Health and Social Affairs (LaGeSo) in Berlin.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

This construction is versatile and can be used in formal or informal contexts, depending on the surrounding vocabulary and tone.

Common error

Avoid using "waiting to complete" when a passive voice construction would be more appropriate. For example, instead of "The document is waiting to be completed", a better phrasing might be "The document remains to be completed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "waiting to complete" functions as a present participle phrase, acting as an adjective modifying a noun or pronoun. It describes the state of being delayed or paused until a task or process is finished. Ludwig provides various examples showcasing its use in real-world contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

20%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "waiting to complete" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that effectively conveys a state of anticipation or delay pending the finalization of an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is correct and appropriate for use in written English. Its versatility allows for application in both formal and informal contexts, although it is most commonly found in News & Media. When using "waiting to complete", consider whether a passive voice construction might be more precise. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate and impactful communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

awaiting completion

This alternative uses a single word, "awaiting", to convey the waiting aspect, making it more concise.

pending completion

This phrase emphasizes that the action is pending or contingent upon completion.

in anticipation of finishing

This alternative is more verbose and emphasizes the anticipation of finishing.

biding time until finished

This implies a more active waiting process, 'biding time', until something is finished.

holding off until completion

This suggests a deliberate pause or delay until the completion.

staying put to finish

This emphasizes staying in place for the purpose of completing something.

remaining until done

This emphasizes the act of remaining in a state until an action is completed.

pausing for completion

Focuses on the pause or interruption that is occurring while something is completed.

delayed until done

This emphasizes the delay that's experienced up to the point when something is finished.

lingering to conclude

Implies a sense of drawn-out waiting, 'lingering', before a conclusion is reached.

FAQs

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

You can use "waiting to complete" to describe a situation where someone or something is in a state of delay until a task or process is finished. For example, "The team is "waiting to complete" the final report before submitting it".

What are some alternatives to "waiting to complete"?

Some alternatives include "awaiting completion", "pending completion", or "in anticipation of finishing", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "waiting to complete"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct. "Waiting" is a gerund, and "to complete" is an infinitive phrase that modifies the gerund, creating a valid and understandable phrase.

What is the difference between "waiting to complete" and "waiting for completion"?

"Waiting to complete" implies that someone or something is in the process of completing something but is currently paused, whereas "waiting for completion" suggests that someone or something is observing or anticipating the finalization of a separate, ongoing process. The subtle nuance lies in the level of involvement in the completion process.