Await vs. Wait – Which is Correct?

While often used interchangeably, await and wait are distinct verbs with nuanced differences in usage. Await is typically transitive, meaning it takes a direct object, and often implies a sense of anticipation or formality. Wait is generally intransitive, requiring a preposition like “for” if followed by an object, and is more common in everyday speech.

Await or Wait – Which is Correct?

Both “await” and “wait” are grammatically correct verbs in American English, but their usage differs based on transitivity, formality, and the presence of a direct object. The primary distinction lies in their grammatical structure: await is a transitive verb, always taking a direct object, while wait is typically an intransitive verb that requires a preposition (usually “for”) to connect to an object.

Similarly, understanding the subtle distinctions between other commonly confused pairs, like Meantime vs. Meanwhile, enhances precision in writing.

For example, you would “await a package” (package is the direct object), but you would “wait for a package.” Await often carries a slightly more formal or expectant tone, whereas wait is more common and versatile in daily conversation.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

The easiest trick to remember the difference is the “Preposition Test.”

• If you can naturally insert the word “for” after the verb when referring to the object, then “wait” is likely the correct choice. (e.g., “Wait for the bus.”)
• If you cannot insert “for” and the verb directly takes an object, then “await” is likely the correct choice. (e.g., “Await the verdict.”)

Think: “Wait for, Await nothing (just the object).”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Await	Transitive Verb	To wait for; to expect; to be in store for.	The team eagerly awaits the competition results.
Wait	Intransitive Verb (usually)	To stay in one place until something happens; to defer action; to expect.	Please wait for me at the entrance.

How to Use Await

The verb “await” is a transitive verb, meaning it always takes a direct object without needing a preposition. It implies a sense of expectation, readiness, or even destiny. It is generally considered more formal than “wait for” and is often used in situations where there’s a significant event, news, or arrival anticipated. You “await” a decision, a visitor, a consequence, or an opportunity.

Example 1: The whole country awaits the election results with bated breath.

Example 2: A great adventure awaits those who dare to explore.

Example 3: We respectfully await your response to our proposal.

What are the different forms of Await?

“Await” is a regular verb, so its forms follow a predictable pattern:

• Base form: await
• Past simple: awaited
• Past participle: awaited
• Present participle: awaiting
• Third-person singular present: awaits

Etymology of the word Await

The word “await” originated in the late 14th century, coming from the Old French “awaitier” or “agaitier,” meaning “to lie in wait for, ambush, look out for.” This in turn derived from “a-” (to) + “waitier” (to wait). Its roots clearly signify an active, directed form of waiting, often with a specific target in mind.

How to Use Wait

“Wait” is primarily an intransitive verb, meaning it typically does not take a direct object. When you need to specify what you are waiting for, you must use a preposition, most commonly “for.” It describes the act of remaining in a place or delaying action until a particular event occurs or a person arrives. “Wait” is a much more common and versatile verb than “await” and is suitable for both formal and informal contexts.

You can also use “wait” without an object or preposition, simply to mean “to delay acting” or “to pause.”

Example 1: Please wait for me at the coffee shop.

Example 2: I had to wait in line for over an hour.

Example 3: Let’s wait until tomorrow to make a decision.

What are the different forms of Wait?

“Wait” is a regular verb, so its forms are straightforward:

• Base form: wait
• Past simple: waited
• Past participle: waited
• Present participle: waiting
• Third-person singular present: waits

Etymology of the word Wait

The word “wait” comes from the Old North French “waitier” (Old French “gaitier”), meaning “to watch, watch over, lie in wait for, be on one’s guard.” This word itself has Germanic origins, related to words meaning “to watch” or “to be awake.” The English word first appeared around the early 13th century, initially carrying a sense of watching or guarding before evolving into its more common meaning of delaying action.

Related Concepts

Understanding a broader grammar concept like verb transitivity and the role of prepositions helps clarify the distinction between “await” and “wait.”

• Transitive and Intransitive Verbs: A transitive verb requires a direct object to complete its meaning (e.g., “She kicked the ball”). An intransitive verb does not take a direct object (e.g., “He slept“). “Await” is transitive, while “wait” is typically intransitive, requiring a preposition like “for” to introduce its object.
• Prepositions: Prepositions are words that connect nouns or pronouns to other words in a sentence, often indicating location, direction, or time (e.g., “on,” “in,” “for,” “with”). In the case of “wait for,” “for” is a crucial preposition that allows the intransitive verb “wait” to express what is being anticipated.

Examples from Media and Literature

• “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself—nameless, unreasoning, unjustified terror which paralyzes needed efforts to convert retreat into advance.” Here, Franklin D. Roosevelt is speaking about a different kind of fear, but the concept of facing what awaits us is inherent in such moments of crisis. (While not a direct quote with “await,” the sentiment of facing what lies ahead is strong.)
• “We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” – Oscar Wilde. This quote implies a patience or hope, an act of “waiting” for something better or different.
• “I could not await the night with more impatience.” – Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice. (Shows “await” with a direct object, “the night.”)
• “She had to wait for the bus in the pouring rain.” – A common modern usage.
• “The fate that awaits him is uncertain.” – A typical formal use of “await.”

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The children excitedly ________ their grandparents’ arrival.
2. Please ________ for a moment while I gather my things.
3. She couldn’t ________ the end of the long meeting.
4. We had to ________ for the package to clear customs.
5. A warm welcome ________ all new members of the club.

Answer Key

1. await
2. wait
3. await
4. wait
5. awaits

Await Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Expect	To regard as likely to happen; to look forward to.
Anticipate	To regard as probable; to foresee; to look forward to.
Look for	To search for; to expect the arrival of.
Bide (one’s time)	To wait for a favorable opportunity.
Foresee	To know or predict (something) in advance.

Wait Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Delay	To postpone or defer; to cause to be late.
Linger	To stay in a place longer than necessary because of a reluctance to leave.
Pause	To interrupt an action or speech briefly.
Stay	To remain in the same place or position.
Tarry	To stay in a place; to delay leaving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can I ever use “await” without a direct object?
No, “await” is strictly a transitive verb. It must always be followed by the noun or pronoun that you are waiting for. Using it without an object (e.g., “I will await”) is grammatically incorrect.

Question 2: Is “wait on” ever correct?
Yes, “wait on” is correct, but it has a specific meaning: “to serve” or “to attend to.” For example, “The server will wait on your table.” It is generally considered informal or incorrect to use “wait on” as a substitute for “wait for” when referring to expecting something or someone (e.g., “I’m waiting for the bus,” not “waiting on the bus”).

Question 3: Which word is more formal, “await” or “wait”?
“Await” is generally considered more formal and carries a sense of anticipation or expectation, making it suitable for professional or literary contexts. “Wait” is more common in everyday speech and writing, serving both formal and informal situations when paired with the appropriate preposition.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between “await” and “wait” hinges on recognizing verb transitivity and the role of prepositions. “Await” is a transitive verb, directly taking an object, and often implies a more formal or expectant tone. “Wait” is primarily intransitive, requiring “for” to introduce its object, and is more common in general usage. Mastering this nuance enhances precision in your communication.

Pro Tip: When in doubt, remember the “Preposition Test.” If you need to insert “for” before the object, “wait” is almost always the correct choice. Using “await” correctly demonstrates a higher level of linguistic sophistication, which can significantly enhance your professional reputation.