Differences between wait around and wait on
Wait around means to stay in a place and do nothing while waiting for someone or something, whereas wait on means to serve or attend to someone's needs.
Meanings and Definitions: wait around vs wait on
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Wait around
- 1Wait somewhere doing nothing.
They were just WAITING AROUND to see if anything was going to happen.
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 around, wait on in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
wait around
Example
I often wait around at the bus stop for my ride to work.
Example
She waits around for her friends to finish shopping.
wait on
Example
She waits on customers at the cafe.
Example
He waits on tables at the restaurant.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait around
hang around
To stay in a place without any specific purpose or activity.
Example
We decided to hang around the park for a while and enjoy the sunny weather.
kill time
To spend time doing something unproductive or entertaining while waiting for something else.
Example
She usually kills time by reading a book or playing games on her phone while waiting for her flight.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Wait on
To provide food, drinks, or other assistance to customers or guests.
Example
The waiter came to serve us our meals and asked if we needed anything else.
To help or support someone in completing a task or achieving a goal.
Example
The salesperson came to assist us in finding the right size and style of shoes.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “wait”
Phrasal Verbs with “around”
Differences in wait around vs wait on: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: wait around or wait on?
In daily conversation, people use wait around less often than wait on. This is because wait on is used in various settings such as restaurants, hotels, and stores. Wait around is not used as much. It's mainly used when we're talking about waiting for someone or something. So, while both phrases are used, wait on is more common in everyday conversation.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of wait around and wait on
Wait around 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 around and wait on
The tone of wait around and wait on can differ based on context. Wait around often carries a bored or impatient tone when related to waiting for someone or something, while wait on typically has a helpful and polite tone, especially when referring to serving customers or guests.
