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Prepositions after verbs

How to use await correctly

Await is a formal verb that usually takes a direct object without a preposition. Related expressions may contain other prepositions for time, place, or condition.

Quick answer

Does await take a preposition?

Await is normally followed directly by a noun: await a reply, await the results. Do not usually use for after await. In, with, on, and at may appear in separate phrases.

We are awaiting the decision
Passengers awaited help at the station
The team awaits confirmation from the client

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
await + noun

Waiting for something

Await commonly takes a direct object without a preposition.

They awaited further instructions
2
await + outcome/event

Expecting a future result

Await is common in formal and written English.

The company is awaiting approval
3
await at + place

Adding a location

At introduces a separate place phrase, not a complement of await.

Fans awaited the singer at the airport
4
await with + emotion

Adding manner or feeling

With introduces emotion or attitude.

The news was awaited with excitement

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
await for
We are waiting for the results.
After await, for is usually unnecessary. Use await the results or wait for the results.
await in
They awaited instructions in silence.
In introduces a manner phrase, not a direct complement.
await with
The announcement was awaited with interest.
With introduces feeling or manner.
await on
Hotel staff waited on the guests.
Wait on means serve. It is different from await.
await at
A crowd awaited the team at the stadium.
At introduces a location phrase.

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using for after await

Await already includes the idea of waiting for.

✕ We await for your reply. ✓ We await your reply.

Confusing await and wait on

Wait on means serve or attend to.

✕ The receptionist awaited on the visitors. ✓ The receptionist waited on the visitors.

Using await in informal speech too often

Await is formal. Wait for is more common in everyday conversation.

✕ I'm awaiting the bus. ✓ I'm waiting for the bus.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. We await ___ response.
2. The announcement was awaited ___ excitement.
3. Fans awaited the actor ___ the hotel entrance.

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Frequently asked questions

Is await for correct?

Usually no. Use await something or wait for something.

What is the difference between await and wait for?

Await is more formal and takes a direct object. Wait for is more common in everyday English.

Can await be followed by at or with?

Yes, when those prepositions introduce separate information such as place or emotion.

abandon, by, abandon, in "abduct by", "abduct in" or "abduct from"? abide by, in, with, to or on? "abolish in" or "abolish by"? "abound in" or "abound with"? "absorb by", "absorb into" or "absorb in"? "accelerate by", "accelerate to" or "accelerate in"? accentuate by, with, in or under? accept by, in, as, for or into? "accommodate in", "accommodate for" or "accommodate to"? "accomplish by" or "accomplish in"? "accord to" or "accord with"?

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