Impending vs. Pending – Which is Correct?

While both “impending” and “pending” describe events or situations that have not yet fully materialized, their meanings and connotations differ significantly. Impending refers to something that is about to happen, often with a sense of urgency, threat, or significance. Pending, on the other hand, describes something that is awaiting decision, action, or completion, implying a state of suspension or being unresolved. Both words are grammatically correct, but their appropriate use depends entirely on the context.

Impending or Pending – Which is Correct?

Both “impending” and “pending” are correct words in American English, but they are not interchangeable. The core difference lies in their focus and connotation. Impending emphasizes the approach or closeness of an event, often one that is unavoidable and carries a sense of gravity, foreboding, or immediate importance. Think of an “impending storm” or an “impending crisis.” It implies that something is actively drawing near.

Pending, conversely, focuses on a state of suspension or incompletion. It means “awaiting decision or settlement” or “not yet decided.” A “pending lawsuit” is one that has not yet been resolved. “Pending approval” means that something is waiting for a decision to be made. It suggests a pause or a process that is underway but not finished.

The Best Trick to Remember the Difference

To easily distinguish between “impending” and “pending,” remember this simple trick:

• Impending: Think I for Immediate (or Inescapable). It’s something that is about to happen very soon, often with a significant impact.
• Pending: Think P for Pause (or Process). It’s something that is on hold, waiting for a decision or completion.

You can also use a “Swap Test”: If you can replace the word with “about to happen” (especially if it’s significant or threatening), use “impending.” If you can replace it with “awaiting” or “until,” use “pending.”

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
Impending	Adjective	About to happen; looming, often with a sense of threat or urgency.	The impending storm forced them to cancel the outdoor event.
Pending	Adjective / Preposition	Awaiting decision or completion; until.	The contract is pending legal review. / Pending his arrival, we can begin.

How to Use Impending

“Impending” is an adjective used to describe something that is about to occur, often with a sense of foreboding, doom, or significant importance. It conveys immediacy and frequently carries a negative or serious connotation, though it can sometimes be used neutrally for significant upcoming events. It emphasizes the proximity of an event that is perceived as unavoidable or highly likely.

Example 1: The company braced for the impending economic downturn.

Example 2: Despite the impending deadline, the team remained calm and focused.

Example 3: A sense of impending change filled the air as the election results started to come in.

What are the different forms of Impending?

“Impending” is a present participle that functions primarily as an adjective. It describes an event or situation as “about to happen” or “looming.” Unlike many adjectives, “impending” does not typically take comparative or superlative forms (e.g., “more impending” or “most impending”) in common usage. Its form is generally fixed, directly conveying the sense of something being imminent.

Etymology of the word Impending

The word “impending” comes from the Latin verb impendere, meaning “to hang over” or “to threaten.” This Latin root is formed from in-, meaning “in” or “on,” and pendere, meaning “to hang.” This etymology perfectly captures the modern sense of something “hanging over” or being “about to fall” upon a situation or person. It entered the English language in the early 17th century.

How to Use Pending

“Pending” is a versatile word that can function as both an adjective and a preposition. As an adjective, it describes something that is waiting to be dealt with, decided, or completed; it is in a state of suspension. As a preposition, “pending” means “until” or “during the time before.” It suggests an unresolved status or a condition that must be met before further action can be taken.

Example 1: The acquisition deal is still pending regulatory approval.

Example 2: She waited by the phone, her future pending the interview results.

Example 3: Pending further instructions, please continue with your current tasks.

What are the different forms of Pending?

“Pending” is primarily used as an adjective or a preposition. While it is technically the present participle of the verb “to pend,” the verb “to pend” (meaning “to hang” or “to be undecided”) is largely archaic in modern English, except in specialized legal or administrative contexts. Therefore, “pending” does not commonly have conjugated verb forms (like “pends” or “pended”) or degrees of comparison (like “more pending”) in everyday usage. Its forms are largely fixed in its adjectival and prepositional roles.

Etymology of the word Pending

The word “pending” originates from the Latin word pendens, which is the present participle of pendere, meaning “to hang” or “to be suspended.” This root highlights the idea of something being “hung up” or “suspended” in a state of indecision or incompletion. It was adopted into the English language in the 17th century, initially carrying the meaning of “hanging” or “awaiting settlement.”

Related Concepts

Understanding how participles function in English grammar can greatly clarify the distinction between “impending” and “pending.” Both words are examples of how verb forms can take on different roles in a sentence.

• Participles as Adjectives: Both “impending” and “pending” are present participles (verb forms ending in -ing) that function as adjectives. They modify nouns, providing information about an event’s state or timing. “Impending” describes a noun as “about to happen” (e.g., an impending disaster). “Pending” describes a noun as “awaiting resolution” (e.g., a pending decision).
• Prepositions: “Pending” also has a distinct role as a preposition. In this usage, it means “during” or “until” a specified event occurs (e.g., Pending the results, we will wait). This prepositional use is unique to “pending” and further differentiates it from “impending.”

Examples from Media and Literature

• “A chill wind blew through the city, a harbinger of the impending winter.” (General literature)
• “The protagonist felt a growing dread, a premonition of some impending doom.” (Fictional narrative)
• “The news report stated that the President’s visit to the region was still pending confirmation.” (News media)
• “The company’s merger talks have been pending for several months, causing uncertainty among employees.” (Business news)
• “Pending the final review of the evidence, the judge reserved his ruling.” (Legal proceedings)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.

1. The dark clouds suggested an ______ storm.
2. We cannot make a decision while the matter is still ______.
3. The doctor warned of ______ complications if the treatment was delayed.
4. ______ his arrival, we should prepare the presentation.
5. The fate of the project is ______ the board’s vote next week.

Answer Key

1. impending
2. pending
3. impending
4. Pending
5. pending

Impending Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Forthcoming	About to happen; approaching.
Imminent	About to happen very soon.
Looming	Appearing as a shadowy or threatening form; approaching threateningly.
Approaching	Coming nearer in time or distance.
Brewing	(Of an unwelcome event or situation) beginning to develop.

Pending Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Undecided	Not yet settled or resolved.
Unresolved	(Of a problem or dispute) not settled or dealt with.
Awaiting	Waiting for (an event or action).
Outstanding	(Of a debt or task) not yet paid, done, or dealt with.
Suspended	Temporarily inactive or inoperative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: Can ‘impending’ be used positively?
While ‘impending’ often carries a negative or serious connotation (e.g., impending doom, impending crisis), it can occasionally be used neutrally or even positively for significant upcoming events, such as an “impending celebration” or “impending graduation.” However, its use for threats or serious developments is far more common.

Question 2: Is ‘pending’ always used in formal contexts?
‘Pending’ is very common in formal, legal, and administrative contexts (e.g., “pending approval,” “case pending,” “pending review”). However, it’s also used in everyday language, such as “My email reply is pending” or “We’re waiting pending the new schedule,” making it a widely applicable term.

Question 3: What’s the difference between “imminent” and “impending”?
Both “imminent” and “impending” mean “about to happen.” “Imminent” suggests something will happen very soon, often within moments or hours, and can be positive or negative. “Impending” implies something is approaching, often with a sense of foreboding or gravity, and usually refers to events that are slightly further in the future than “imminent” might suggest, though still quite close.

Conclusion

The distinction between “impending” and “pending” is a subtle yet crucial aspect of precise English communication. “Impending” focuses on the approach of an event, often with a sense of urgency or gravity, while “pending” highlights a state of suspension or incompletion, awaiting a resolution. Understanding these nuances allows for clearer, more accurate expression. Using these words correctly not only enhances the clarity of your message but also demonstrates a strong command of the English language, which is crucial for professional credibility and effective communication.