what awaits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what awaits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to future events or outcomes that are anticipated or expected. Example: "As we embark on this new journey, we are excited to discover what awaits us in the coming months."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Sports

Books

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What awaits?

The New York Times

What awaits is better.

The New York Times - Travel

Yet, what awaits us?

The New York Times

What awaits fans?

Independent

What awaits them, though?

The Guardian - Sport

That is what awaits us.

Independent

What awaits upon her homecoming?

The New Yorker

What awaits us in 2009?

The Guardian - Sport

I think he knows what awaits him.

The New York Times

Who knows what awaits these new Knicks?

The New York Times - Sports

The Devils realize what awaits them Tuesday.

The New York Times - Sports

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "what awaits" when you want to create a sense of anticipation or curiosity about a future event or outcome. It's particularly effective in narrative writing or when discussing potential consequences.

Common error

Avoid using "what awaits" to describe past events. The phrase inherently refers to the future. For past events, use phrases like "what had happened" or "what they encountered" instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what awaits" functions as a noun phrase introducing a question or statement about future possibilities or experiences. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a valid and usable phrase in English. It typically acts as the subject or object of a sentence, prompting reflection on forthcoming events.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Sports

15%

Books

8%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "what awaits" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, employed to evoke anticipation or curiosity about the future. It functions primarily as a noun phrase, inviting reflection on potential outcomes, and is suitable for a variety of contexts. While versatile, it's important to use it to refer to the future, and alternatives such as "what lies ahead" or "what is in store" can offer subtle differences in meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what is in store

This alternative emphasizes the idea of something being prepared or destined to happen, subtly different from "what awaits" which is more neutral.

what lies ahead

This phrase focuses on the future and the path forward, highlighting the unknown nature of what is to come.

what's to come

A more informal way of expressing future expectations, suitable for casual contexts.

what the future holds

This phrase implies a sense of destiny or predetermined events, adding a layer of profundity.

what will happen

A straightforward and direct alternative, lacking the nuance of anticipation.

what is coming

This alternative is more immediate and impending, suggesting that events are on the verge of occurring.

what is on the horizon

This phrase evokes a sense of something distant but approaching, suitable for long-term expectations.

what is in the cards

This idiom suggests that the future is subject to chance or fate, adding an element of uncertainty.

what fate has in store

This phrase implies that destiny or a higher power is controlling what will happen.

what's coming down the pike

An informal idiom suggesting something is coming, often with a sense of anticipation or concern.

FAQs

How can I use "what awaits" in a sentence?

You can use "what awaits" to express anticipation or uncertainty about future events. For example: "We are excited to discover what awaits us on this journey."

What phrases are similar in meaning to "what awaits"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what lies ahead", "what is in store", or "what the future holds", each carrying slightly different nuances.

Is "what awaits" formal or informal?

"What awaits" is suitable for both formal and informal contexts, depending on the surrounding language and tone. It's commonly found in news articles, books, and everyday conversation.

Can "what awaits" be used to describe past events?

No, "what awaits" should only be used to refer to future events or possibilities. For past events, use phrases like "what happened" or "what they found".