What does the phrasal verb “wait in” mean?

What are the definitions of “wait in”?

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

• 1. Stay at home because someone is going to visit.

  I WAITED IN for the guy to fix the TV.

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

The most common meaning of the phrasal verb wait in is to stay at home or indoors because someone is expected to visit or arrive. This can be for a delivery, a repair, or a social visit.

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

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

Example

I wait in for the delivery person to bring my package.

Example

She waits in for her friend to arrive.

Example

He is waiting in for the plumber to fix the leak.

Example

Yesterday, they waited in for the electrician to repair the wiring.

Example

The family had waited in all day for the technician to install the new internet service.

What kind of phrasal verb is “wait in”?

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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 in” 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 in for the delivery.

Example

She waited in for her friend.

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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 in” 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 in for the delivery.

Example

She waited in for her friend.

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

Wait in line

To stand in a queue, waiting for one's turn.

Example

We had to wait in line for an hour to buy the concert tickets.

Wait in the wings

To be ready to take action or step in when needed.

Example

The substitute player was waiting in the wings in case the team needed him.

Wait in vain

To wait for something that will never happen or is unlikely to occur.

Example

She waited in vain for him to apologize, but he never did.

Good things to know

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

Wait in 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 in”?

Synonyms

• await
• anticipate
• stay home
• stay indoors
• remain inside

Antonyms

• leave
• exit
• depart
• go out
• venture out