Differences between wait about and wait on
Wait about means to wait for a short period of time, while wait on means to serve or attend to someone.
Meanings and Definitions: wait about vs wait on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Wait about
- 1Wait somewhere doing nothing.
I WAITED ABOUT for an hour, but they didn't come.
Wait on
- 1Serve people in a restaurant.
They have two people WAITING ON each table.
- 2Sell goods in a shop.
He WAITS ON customers in an electronics store.
- 3Provide someone with everything they need or want.
He has a butler who WAITS ON him.
- 4Wait for a result before being able to make a decision.
They're WAITING ON the results of the vote before taking a final decision.
Usage Examples: wait about, wait on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
wait about
Example
I usually wait about at the bus stop until my friend arrives.
Example
She waits about in the park for her dog to finish playing.
wait on
Example
She waits on customers at the cafe.
Example
He waits on tables at the restaurant.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait about
hang around
To stay in a place for a short period of time without doing anything in particular.
Example
I'll hang around the park until my friend arrives.
kill time
To do something to pass the time while waiting for something else.
Example
I usually kill time by reading a book or listening to music while waiting for my flight at the airport.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait on
To provide food, drinks, or other assistance to customers or guests.
Example
The waiter will serve us shortly.
To help or support someone in completing a task or achieving a goal.
Example
The salesperson will assist you in finding the right product for your needs.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Phrasal Verbs with “about”
Differences in wait about vs wait on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: wait about or wait on?
In daily conversation, people use wait on more often than wait about. This is because wait on is used in service industries such as restaurants and hotels. Wait about is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about waiting for a short period of time. So, while both phrases are used, wait on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of wait about and wait on
Wait about and wait on are informal phrases often used in casual conversations. They are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. In more formal settings like business or academic contexts, using alternative expressions can convey a more polished tone.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of wait about and wait on
The tone of wait about and wait on can differ based on context. Wait about often carries a relaxed or patient tone when related to waiting for a short period of time, while wait on typically has a polite and attentive tone, especially when referring to serving customers or guests.
