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 of the mall. [wait: verb]
Example
She is waiting for her friend to arrive at the airport. [waiting: present participle]
stay
Example
I will stay at the hotel for two nights. [stay: verb]
Example
He decided to stay in his hometown after finishing college. [stay: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wait is more commonly used than stay in everyday language. Wait is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while stay is less common and refers to a more specific situation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between wait and stay?
Both wait and stay are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
