Avoiding Common Grammar Mistakes: await vs. wait

Grammar errors can diminish the clarity and impact of your writing. One common mistake is using "await" and "wait" interchangeably, even though they have different meanings and uses. Let's delve into the distinction between these two words and how to use them correctly.

Await

"Await" is a verb that means to wait for or expect something. It implies anticipation or a specific event or action. It is often used when referring to waiting for something that is predictable or inevitable.

• He awaited the arrival of his long-lost friend at the airport.
• The actress eagerly awaited the announcement of the award nominations.
• She couldn't sleep peacefully, anxiously awaiting the exam results.

Wait

"Wait" is also a verb, but it simply means to stay in one place or delay an action until a particular time or event occurs. It reflects patience or temporary inaction.

• We had to wait in line for over an hour to buy concert tickets.
• Please wait for me outside the restaurant; I'll be right there.
• The kids couldn't wait to open their presents on Christmas morning.

Remember, "await" suggests a more definite expectation or anticipation, while "wait" implies a temporary delay or inactivity.

Now, you might be thinking, how can I make sure I'm using the correct word? This is where tools like the Linguix grammar checker come in handy. Linguix offers real-time grammar suggestions, helping you catch mistakes like using "await" and "wait" incorrectly and providing alternative suggestions when necessary. It's a valuable writing assistant that can enhance the clarity and correctness of your writing.