while we wait for

USAGE SUMMARY

"while we wait for" is correct and usable in written English.
It is usually used to express an action that is occurring in the meantime while you wait for something else to happen. For example: We will feed the kids while we wait for their father to come home.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While we wait for pictures to arrive, here's the invite.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

She begins eating pistachio nuts while we wait for lunch.

The New York Times - Magazine

At the moment Broad is almost filler while we wait for another Finn over.

The Guardian - Sport

While we wait for Cameron's statement, why not devise your ideal cabinet?

The Guardian

While we wait for universal answers, we must be willing to share our own experiences.

The Guardian - Books

The forests that would be lost while we wait for voluntary measures to be taken?

The Guardian

This will be a continual attrition, while we wait for more forces to arrive here".

The Guardian

While we wait for more, here's Lizzy Davies's write-up of this morning's testimony.

The Guardian

1.53pm BST While we wait for the players, why not enjoy some tennis puns?

The Guardian - Sport

The planet isn't going to stop being destroyed while we wait for another Labour government.

The Guardian

12.35pm: While we wait for Amy to arrive, we have some team news from Manchester.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while we wait for" to clearly indicate an action or state that occurs during a period of anticipation, helping to manage expectations or fill time.

Common error

In formal contexts, consider using alternatives like "pending", "in anticipation of", or "whilst awaiting" to avoid repetition and maintain a professional tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while we wait for" functions as a conjunction phrase, introducing a clause that describes an action or state occurring during a period of anticipation. Ludwig AI indicates the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Social Media

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while we wait for" is a very common and grammatically correct conjunction phrase used to describe actions or states that occur during a period of anticipation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. When using this phrase, consider the level of formality required and explore alternatives like "in anticipation of" or "pending" for more formal settings. Keep in mind that overusing this phrase, especially in formal contexts, can lead to redundancy.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst awaiting

A more formal synonym for "while waiting".

in anticipation of

Focuses on the feeling of anticipation rather than the act of waiting.

in expectation of

Focuses on the anticipation of a future event.

pending

Implies something is unresolved and awaiting a decision or event.

while standing by for

Implies readiness and availability during the waiting period.

in the meantime

Highlights what happens during the intervening period.

as we look ahead to

Shifts the focus to the positive anticipation of a future event.

as we bide our time until

Emphasizes the passing of time and a degree of inactivity.

until such time as

A formal way of saying "until" with a sense of expectation.

during the interim before

Highlights the temporary nature of the current situation.

FAQs

How to use "while we wait for" in a sentence?

Use "while we wait for" to describe an action or state that happens during the time you are anticipating something else. For example, "Let's review the presentation "while we wait for" the meeting to begin."

What can I say instead of "while we wait for"?

You can use alternatives like "in anticipation of", "pending", or "in the meantime depending on the specific context.

Is it correct to use "whilst" instead of "while" in "while we wait for"?

Yes, using "whilst we wait for" is grammatically correct and conveys the same meaning. "Whilst" is a more formal synonym for "while".

What's the difference between "while we wait for" and "as we wait for"?

The phrases "while we wait for" and "as we wait for" are often interchangeable. However, "as we wait for" can sometimes imply a stronger sense of causality or simultaneous action.