was made to wait

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was made to wait" is a perfectly valid and commonly used phrase in written English.
It is used to express either literal or metaphorical waiting, and usually implies that someone was forced or compelled to wait. For example, "The customer was made to wait for over an hour before being attended to."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

43 human-written examples

But she was made to wait "in vain" for more information, the lawsuit said.

The New York Times

I was made to wait outside his office for 20 minutes.

The New York Times - Magazine

I was made to wait another 40 minutes and was then seated in Marismo Siberia - right by the bar.

The Guardian - Travel

In talks with Miyagi governor Yoshihiro Murai, Mr Matsumoto appeared annoyed that he was made to wait for the governor's arrival.

Independent

Signed from Coventry two years ago before being loaned back to the Sky Blues, James Maddison was made to wait a long time for his Canaries debut.

The Guardian - Sport

The case, Pegram v. Herdrich, concerned a woman whose appendix burst after she was made to wait eight days to take a diagnostic test for abdominal pain.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

17 human-written examples

Mr Seed and his imitators should be made to wait.

The Economist

Not that he has been made to wait unduly.

Independent

But, of course, we were only being made to wait.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

You will not be made to wait for your table.

The New York Times - Travel

If you were made to wait and the pope walked in, you would not be surprised.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was made to wait", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what caused the waiting period. This provides clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "was made to wait" without specifying who or what caused the waiting. For example, instead of "The patient was made to wait", specify "The patient was made to wait by the receptionist."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was made to wait" functions as a passive construction, indicating that someone or something caused a delay for the subject. As Ludwig AI confirms, this expression is both valid and commonly used in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Science

11%

Formal & Business

6%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was made to wait" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to describe an enforced delay. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. Its neutral register and frequent occurrence in news and media sources, as well as in formal business contexts, make it a versatile option for expressing imposed waiting periods. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying the cause of the delay and consider alternative phrases like "was kept waiting" or "had to wait" for nuanced meanings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was kept waiting

Emphasizes the action of someone actively keeping another person in a state of waiting.

had to wait

A simpler and more direct way of expressing the experience of waiting.

was forced to wait

Highlights the lack of choice in the waiting situation, emphasizing coercion.

was held up

Indicates a delay, often due to unforeseen circumstances or external factors.

experienced a delay

Focuses on the delay itself, rather than the person experiencing it.

endured a wait

Suggests that the waiting period was unpleasant or difficult to bear.

was kept on hold

Specifically refers to waiting on the telephone, typically in a customer service context.

was made to linger

Implies a prolonged and often unnecessary waiting period.

encountered a waiting period

A more formal way of describing the experience of waiting.

was subjected to a delay

Emphasizes that the delay was imposed upon the person.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "was made to wait" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using phrases like "was subjected to a delay" or "encountered a waiting period". These options sound more professional and less conversational.

Is there a difference between "was made to wait" and "had to wait"?

While both phrases indicate a waiting period, "was made to wait" implies that someone or something caused the person to wait. "Had to wait" is more general and doesn't necessarily suggest an external cause.

Can "was made to wait" be used in contexts other than literal waiting?

Yes, "was made to wait" can also be used metaphorically to describe delayed opportunities or outcomes. For example, "His career was made to wait due to unforeseen circumstances" suggests that his career progression was delayed.

What are some common synonyms for "was made to wait"?

Common synonyms include "was kept waiting", "was forced to wait", and "was held up". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you want to convey.