Meaning
to stay in one place or delay action until a person or thing arrives or an event happens
Primary Function
expresses expectation of a future event
Communicative Purpose
to coordinate timing, express annoyance, or show anticipation
Pattern
wait for
Core Structure
wait for
Função primária
expresses expectation of a future event
Propósito comunicativo
to coordinate timing, express annoyance, or show anticipation
Situações de gatilho
appointments, queues, life plans
Contextos
everyday, professional
Padrão
wait for
Estrutura central
wait for
Slots de substituição
the person, thing, or event that is being waited for
Colocados típicos
- patiently
- eagerly
- can’t wait for
- still
- long time to wait for
Substituições comuns
- await (formal
- transitive)
Erros comuns
using *wait someone without ‘for’; using ‘await for’ (redundant)
Similar / contraste
await, expect, anticipate
Interferências
many languages use direct object; English requires ‘for’ or ‘await’ (formal)
Família do chunk
- expect
- anticipate
- hold on for
- sit tight for
Nuance
‘wait for’ is standard; ‘await’ is formal and transitive (await instructions)
Efeito pragmático
can imply impatience with tone
Dica de memória
I’m waiting for the bus.
Nota
The chunk 'wait for someone/something' is a common expression used to indicate that someone is delaying their actions or staying in a place until a person or event arrives. It is a semi-fixed structure that can be used in various contexts, from everyday situations to professional settings. The expression is often used to coordinate timing, express annoyance, or show anticipation. It is important to note that English requires the preposition 'for' after 'wait', unlike many other languages that use a direct object.
Upgrade path
use ‘await’ in formal correspondence
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