Wait a couple of minutes vs Wait for a couple of minutes

Both phrases are correct, but they are used in slightly different contexts. 'Wait a couple of minutes' is more informal and commonly used in casual conversations, while 'Wait for a couple of minutes' is more formal and structured. The choice between them depends on the level of formality you want to convey.

Last updated: April 04, 2024 • 311 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in informal contexts.

"Wait a couple of minutes "

This phrase is informal and is commonly used in casual conversations to indicate waiting for a short period of time.

Examples:

Just wait a couple of minutes, I'll be right back.
I asked him to wait a couple of minutes before leaving.

Show examples from the web [+]

Well, I think hahn can wait a couple of minutes.
All you have to do is wait a couple of minutes.
He asked the cab driver to wait a couple of minutes while he grabbed something from his motel room.
A much more serious problem is instead the frequent electronic problem caused with the adapter: many times the camera got stuck and I have to turn it off and on, or even to remove the battery and wait a couple of minutes.
Wait a couple of minutes and I'll give you copies.
Just wait a couple of minutes and try again.
I'll wait a couple of minutes, I'll call 911.
It seems to take a while for the internet gateway entry to appear so be patient, wait a couple of minutes perhaps and check again if it isn't showing when you first look, refreshing the window often makes it miraculously appear.
Just before serving - Wait a couple of minutes before serving Note Tips - If you have guests, put a little bowl full of grated Parmesan cheese on the table.Everyone will serve to taste.

Alternatives:

Wait for a couple of minutes
Wait a few minutes
Wait a bit
Wait a moment
Wait briefly

This phrase is correct and more formal in structure.

"Wait for a couple of minutes "

This phrase is more formal and structured, suitable for situations where a higher level of formality is required.

Examples:

Please wait for a couple of minutes while I check the information.
We need to wait for a couple of minutes for the results to come in.

Show examples from the web [+]

Wait for a couple of minutes
Wait for a couple of minutes before serving.
Wait for a couple of minutes before taking shoes out.
Which means it can wait for a couple of days.
I have to drink some goo and then wait for a couple of hours.
We could wait for a couple of hours and hope that the engine battery resets itself.
Actually, can we wait for a couple more people to arrive?
Sponge with a slightly abrasive sponge, wait for a couple of minutes and rinse with the same product but diluted with methlet spirit.
You should wait for a couple of months Wait for these to flood the market, and you'll save yourself... another couple of grand on a used one.
We assume that the reason for the bad visibility is the mud washed out by the abundant rainfall last night, so we decide to wait for a couple of days to see if the conditions improve.
Just before serving - Wait for a couple of minutes before serving. - Seve accompanied wit a little bowl, full of grated Parmesan.
After the quarter-final against Perù, the Brazilian kneeled to tie his shoes, forcing all the others players to wait for a couple of minutes.
If you just wait here for a couple minutes,
If you just wait here for a couple minutes, I'll run up, I'll grab it, I'll bring it down for you.
So we wait around Kansas City for a couple of days until we can talk to this woman?
Wait a couple of daysâ€| and watch for the violin.
We can wait a couple more days, right?
But if you can wait a couple of weeks...
Wait a couple of minutes and I'll give you copies.
If we wait a couple of weeks, I could probably...
If we wait a couple of weeks, I could probably...

Alternatives:

Wait a couple of minutes
Wait for a few minutes
Wait for a bit
Wait for a moment
Wait for a short while

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Wait a couple of minutes vs Wait for a couple of minutes