ENGLISH
REFERENCE

wait for sb/sth

phrasal verb.
A1 Beginner Oxford
Definition

phrasal verb. To stay in one place or delay doing something until a person arrives or something happens.

phrasal verb. A prepositional verb meaning to remain in a state of expectation or inactivity until a specified person, thing, or event arrives or occurs.

SIMPLE

I am waiting for the bus to arrive.

CONTEXTUAL

We waited for the rain to stop before we left the café and walked home.

COMPLEX

The entire nation waited for news from the summit, its collective hope hanging precariously on the outcome of the negotiations.

  • proceed without
  • go ahead of
Particles
for
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
wait + for + object
Usage

The object following 'for' is the person, thing, or event that you are expecting.

Teaching tip

Contrast 'wait for' (to await) with 'wait on' (to serve, as in a restaurant), a common point of confusion for learners.

Pitfall

I am waiting the bus.I am waiting for the bus.The verb 'wait' is intransitive and requires the preposition 'for' to connect it to the object you are expecting.

Last updated April 24, 2026