What does the phrasal verb “wait around” mean?

What are the definitions of “wait around”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Wait somewhere doing nothing.

  They were just WAITING AROUND to see if anything was going to happen.

What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “wait around”?

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wait around is to stay in a place without doing anything, usually while expecting something to happen. For example, it can mean waiting for a friend to arrive, waiting for an event to start, or waiting for a decision to be made.

What are the different verb forms of “wait around”?

Root Verb	wait around
Third Person Singular Present	waits around
Present Participle	waiting around
Simple Past	waited around
Past Participle	waited 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.

Example

He is waiting around for the meeting to start.

Example

Yesterday, they waited around for the concert to begin.

Example

We have waited around for hours, but nothing happened.

What kind of phrasal verb is “wait around”?

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a transitive and intransitive verb?
- A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.)
- An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)

Intransitive verb

“wait around” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.

Example

I waited around for my friend to arrive.

Example

They waited around for the bus to come.

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Notes from a Native English Speaker

What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb?
- A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle.
- An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.

Inseparable

“wait around” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.

Example

I waited around for my friend to arrive.

Example

They waited around for the bus to come.

What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “wait around”?

Wait around for someone

To stay in a place without doing anything while expecting a specific person to arrive or do something.

Example

I waited around for my friend to pick me up from the airport.

Wait around for something

To stay in a place without doing anything while expecting a specific event or situation to occur.

Example

We waited around for the rain to stop before going outside.

Wait around for a decision

To stay in a place without doing anything while expecting a decision to be made.

Example

The employees waited around for the boss to announce the new policy.

Good things to know

Does “wait around” have an informal or formal tone?

Wait around is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations and can also be used in more formal settings, depending on the specific context.

What are synonyms of antonyms to the phrasal verb “wait around”?

Synonyms

• linger
• loiter
• stay
• wait
• dawdle
• idle
• hang around

Antonyms

• leave
• depart
• go
• exit
• hurry
• rush