What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wait
Example
I will wait for you at the entrance. [wait: verb]
Example
The wait for the food was longer than expected. [wait: noun]
Example
We are waiting for the bus to arrive. [waiting: gerund or present participle]
linger
Example
She lingered at the party even though it was getting late. [linger: verb]
Example
The smell of the flowers made him linger in the garden. [linger: verb]
Example
He had a lingering feeling of sadness after the breakup. [lingering: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wait is more commonly used than linger in everyday language. Wait is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while linger is less common and may have a negative connotation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wait and linger?
Both wait and linger can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but wait is more versatile and can be employed in more formal situations.
