while waiting

USAGE SUMMARY

"while waiting" is a perfectly acceptable and usable phrase in written English.
It is used to indicate that one thing is waiting for another thing to happen before proceeding. For example, "I made small talk with my friends while waiting for the bus to arrive."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

He sat there for a while, waiting.

The New Yorker

Officers started CPR on her while waiting for paramedics.

Los Angeles Times

While waiting, she blogs.

The New York Times - Books

While waiting in the big….

The New Yorker

While waiting, beside the U.S.S.

The New Yorker

While waiting, the limner examined his work.

The New Yorker

While waiting to hear, I got pregnant.

The New Yorker

While waiting, she smoked.

The New York Times

While waiting, no one will go hungry.

The New York Times

Naturally, while waiting, one feels utterly helpless.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Decides to take nap while waiting.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing sentences, ensure the clause following "while waiting" directly relates to the action or state of being during the waiting period for better coherence.

Common error

Avoid using future tenses in the clause immediately following "while waiting". Instead, use the present continuous or simple present tense to describe actions happening during the waiting period.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while waiting" functions as an adverbial phrase of time, modifying the main clause by indicating when an action occurs. Ludwig examples show its use across various contexts, illustrating concurrent actions during a period of anticipation.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Science

31%

Wiki

19%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while waiting" serves as a versatile phrase to connect an action with a period of anticipation. According to Ludwig, it is grammatically sound and frequently used across varied contexts like news, science, and general knowledge. The phrase functions as an adverbial modifier and maintains a neutral tone, fitting both formal and informal situations. Remember to use appropriate tenses in conjunction with "while waiting" and to clearly define what is being waited for to enhance clarity. It's an essential tool for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

meanwhile

This option is a simple and direct way to indicate something happening concurrently.

in the meantime

Similar to 'meanwhile', it also indicates concurrent actions but adds a sense of temporality.

during the wait

This alternative focuses on the time period of waiting.

in the interim

This phrase emphasizes the temporary nature of the waiting period.

pending the outcome

This alternative highlights that the waiting is contingent on a specific result.

in anticipation

This phrase focuses on the feeling of looking forward to something while waiting.

as we await

This alternative is more formal and emphasizes expectation.

during the intervening period

This is a more formal and lengthy way to describe the waiting period.

as we bide our time

This phrase is more figurative and suggests actively filling the waiting period.

beforehand

This emphasizes doing something prior to the expected event, potentially overlapping with the waiting period.

FAQs

How can I use "while waiting" in a sentence?

You can use "while waiting" to connect an action to a period of anticipation, as in, "I listened to music while waiting for the train" or "She practiced her speech while waiting for her turn".

What are some alternatives to "while waiting"?

Alternatives include "meanwhile", "in the meantime", or "during the wait". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "while waiting"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "while waiting", as long as the sentence structure maintains clarity and the main clause follows logically. For example, "While waiting, I read a book."

What's the difference between "while waiting" and "when waiting"?

"While waiting" implies an action that occurs continuously or repeatedly during the waiting period. "When waiting" suggests a specific instance or condition during the wait. For example, "While waiting, she knitted" (continuous action) versus "When waiting, she always checks her phone" (specific instance).