waiting for vs waiting on

Both 'waiting for' and 'waiting on' are correct phrases, but they are used in different contexts. 'Waiting for' is used when someone is expecting something or someone, while 'waiting on' is used when someone is serving or assisting someone. The choice between the two depends on the specific situation.

Last updated: March 25, 2024 • 1373 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when someone is expecting something or someone.

"waiting for"

Use 'waiting for' when you are expecting something or someone to arrive or happen. It indicates anticipation or expectation.

Examples:

I am waiting for the bus to arrive.
She is waiting for her friend to call.
We are waiting for the results of the test.
He is waiting for his package to be delivered.
They are waiting for the meeting to start.

Show examples from the web [+]

We are all waiting for an answer.
Your family is waiting for you.
I've got an angry priest waiting for me.
There's even $100,000 insurance settlement waiting for you.
Everyone is outside waiting for you.
Citizens are waiting for clear signals on priorities and measures.
Fayed's waiting for my call.
We're still waiting for the response from Counter...
No. I've been waiting for you, professor.
Just as well, they are waiting for the load tomorrow.
"I have all this waiting for you".
Made me wonder if you're waiting for someone.
I'm still waiting for the lab results.
Still waiting for clearance to take off.
They're waiting for you in publicity, and your mother called.
Chef's been waiting for you.
Wayne, Dale could be waiting for you anywhere.
Derek, the guy we're waiting for doesn't exist.
We were waiting for you so we could get married.
The priest and the witnesses are waiting for me.

Alternatives:

anticipating
expecting
looking forward to

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when someone is serving or assisting someone.

"waiting on"

Use 'waiting on' when someone is serving or assisting someone, such as in a restaurant or in a customer service context. It implies providing service or help.

Examples:

The waiter is waiting on the table in the corner.
She is waiting on the customers to finish their meal.
He is waiting on his boss to give him instructions.
They are waiting on the guests to arrive.
The receptionist is waiting on the phone to ring.

Show examples from the web [+]

I was waiting on an update on Mr.O'malley.
His wife said he's just waiting on a transfer to Durham.
We got a guy in Trauma waiting on certification of brain death.
Kermit's in there waiting on you, man.
Strange to have you waiting on me for a change.
I'm waiting on the results of an abdominal M.R.I.
I'm waiting on one more player.
They're still waiting on a comment from the Captain.
Come on, McGrath's waiting on this stuff.
We're waiting on Ballistics, Colonel.
Jack's still waiting on the rest of that profile.
Devon, Nancy's waiting on us.
And she's sitting right over there waiting on an answer.
- I'm still waiting on that beer.
I'm just waiting on a few last-minute details.
We're waiting on some labs.
No, I'm waiting on some friends.
We're still waiting on confirmation from the White House.
I'm still waiting on one more piece.
We're still waiting on Tampa and Sarasota.

Alternatives:

serving
assisting
helping

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waiting for vs waiting on

"waiting for"

"waiting on"

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