I was waiting for 30 minutes before the shop opened. vs I was waiting for 30 minutes when the shop opened.

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. The first phrase implies that the waiting occurred entirely before the shop opened, while the second phrase suggests that the waiting was ongoing when the shop opened. The choice between them depends on the specific timing you want to emphasize.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 884 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate waiting before a specific event.

"I was waiting for 30 minutes before the shop opened."

This phrase is used to express that the waiting occurred entirely prior to the shop opening. It emphasizes the duration of the waiting period before the event.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was briefed 30 minutes before the broadcast.
The sera are inactivated at 56 ºC for 30 minutes before testing.
She kept me waiting for 30 minutes.
250 micrograms palonosetron administered as a single intravenous bolus approximately 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.
He dropped his tail about 30 minutes before the assassination.
We still have 30 minutes before the wedding.
Serum All sera are heat-inactivated at 56 ºC for 30 minutes before use.
Four minutes before the Tokyo market opened.
Fifteen minutes before the vortex opened.
At sunrise I was waiting for you.
Aloxi is injected by a doctor or nurse about 30 minutes before the start of chemotherapy.
In osteoporosis studies, alendronate was effective when administered at least 30 minutes before the first food or beverage of the day.
Please make sure you arrive 30 minutes before the start of the session.
Patients should be given intravenous diphenhydramine 25 to 50 mg (or similar antihistamine) approximately 30 minutes before the start of each dose of temsirolimus.
Otherwise, my associate will pick you up outside your office 30 minutes before the launch and prep you.
In osteoporosis studies alendronate was effective when it was given at least 30 minutes before the first meal or drink of the day.
30 minutes before the plane took off, there was an unmarked military convoy that was hijacked two miles away from the airport.
All right, everybody, we got about 25-30 minutes before the Coast Guard gets here to arrest us.
Some guy was waiting for me outside the shop.
Data indicated that insulin glulisine administered 2 minutes before the meal gives similar postprandial glycemic control compared to regular human insulin given 30 minutes before the meal.

Alternatives:

I waited for 30 minutes before the shop opened.
I had been waiting for 30 minutes before the shop opened.
I had waited for 30 minutes before the shop opened.
I had been waiting for 30 minutes when the shop opened.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English to indicate waiting at the moment when a specific event occurred.

"I was waiting for 30 minutes when the shop opened."

This phrase is used to convey that the waiting was ongoing at the time the shop opened. It emphasizes the coincidence of the waiting and the shop opening.

Show examples from the web [+]

However, the in-use stability has been demonstrated for 30 minutes when stored at 20oC - 25oC.
She kept me waiting for 30 minutes.
At sunrise I was waiting for you.
Some guy was waiting for me outside the shop.
I was trying to tell this gentleman that I was waiting for somebody.
I was waiting for a company.
I was waiting for you to ask me that question.
You know I was waiting for that moment.
I was waiting for a tanning bed when...
Yes, I was waiting for you.
I was waiting for Ga Eul's boyfriend.
Yes, I was waiting for you.
Me too, I was waiting for you.
I was waiting for somebody to fix things.
I was waiting for you to come and get me.
The one I was waiting for is at Nizaemon's.
I was waiting for the rehearsal to end.
I was waiting for you to bring Barry home.
I was waiting for her to call again.
Once I was waiting for Salladhor Saan here in Braavos.

Alternatives:

I was waiting for 30 minutes when the shop finally opened.
I was waiting for 30 minutes as the shop opened.
I was waiting for 30 minutes as the shop was opening.
I was waiting for 30 minutes as the shop was about to open.

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I was waiting for 30 minutes before the shop opened. vs I was waiting for 30 minutes when the shop opened.