Wait means allow time to pass until someone or something is ready or arrives.
The idea
Say wait here without an object. Before a person or thing use for: wait for the bus. Before an intended action use to: wait to buy tickets.
Examples
- Please wait here.
- I am waiting for the bus.
- She waits for her friend outside.
- We waited for the rain to stop.
- They are waiting to buy tickets.
- Can you wait a minute?
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Watch out
Do not say wait the bus when expecting it; say wait for the bus.
Try it yourself
Choose the preposition before the bus. I am waiting ___ the bus to arrive. (for / at)
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for
For comes before the bus being awaited.
Choose the infinitive for the intended action. They are waiting ___ tickets. (to buy / buying)
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to buy
To buy names the action people are waiting to do.
Choose the base verb after can. Can you ___ here? (wait / waits)
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wait
Wait can stand alone when no object follows.
Practice round
Answer questions and rebuild English sentences to practise. Your score is shown.
Choose the preposition before the bus. I am waiting ___ the bus to arrive. (for / at)
Choose the infinitive for the intended action. They are waiting ___ tickets. (to buy / buying)
Choose the base verb after can. Can you ___ here? (wait / waits)
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
Tap the words in the right order.
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Describe where you wait and who or what you wait for.