In daily conversations, it’s crucial to express actions in the correct tenses. One common word we often use is “wait.” Whether you want to convey waiting in a formal or informal setting, this guide will provide you with various tips and examples to express “wait” in the past tense. So, let’s delve into the different ways you can say “waited”!
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Formal Ways to Say “Waited” in the Past Tense
When engaging in formal conversations, it is essential to use appropriate language. Here are a few formal ways to express “waited” in the past tense:
- Waited: This is the most standard way to say “waited” in the past tense. It is suitable for any formal occasion and widely accepted across English-speaking regions. For example: “I waited for her at the restaurant.”
- Delayed: Although not an exact synonym of “waited,” you can use “delayed” to express the act of waiting in a more formal manner. For instance: “The flight was delayed, so we waited at the gate.”
- Patiently awaited: This phrase conveys the idea of waiting with patience and anticipation. It adds a touch of formality to your sentences. An example is: “We patiently awaited the arrival of the esteemed guests.”
Informal Ways to Say “Waited” in the Past Tense
When conversing with family, friends, or in relaxed settings, you can use more casual language. Here are a few informal ways to say “waited” in the past tense:
- Waited around: This phrase indicates waiting without any particular purpose or maintaining a relaxed attitude. For instance: “We just waited around until the concert started.”
- Hung around: Similar to “waited around,” this phrase implies spending time in a specific place without a particular objective. As an example: “We hung around the park until the sun went down.”
- Killed time: It suggests engaging in various activities while waiting to pass the time. For example: “We killed time at the coffee shop until our friends arrived.”
Examples of “Waited” in Past Tense
Below are a few more examples to help you understand how to incorporate “waited” in different contexts:
“She waited patiently for the bus to arrive.”
“We had delayed our departure, so we waited for hours at the airport.”
“He couldn’t find a taxi, so he waited anxiously by the roadside.”
Informal examples:
“We finally found a table and waited around for our food.”
“I hung around the office until my colleagues finished their meeting.”
“Since the movie was sold out, we killed time at the nearby arcade.”
Remember, context is crucial when choosing the appropriate past tense of “wait.” Ensure your selection matches the level of formality and the intended meaning.
Wrapping Up
Mastering how to express “wait” in the past tense is essential for effective communication. In formal situations, stick to phrases like “waited” or “patiently awaited,” while in informal settings, feel free to use expressions like “waited around” or “killed time.”
Avoid overusing informal expressions in professional environments, as they may sound too relaxed. Likewise, in highly formal contexts, be cautious not to come across as overly casual. Remember, always adapt your language to suit the situation.
Now that you have a variety of ways to say “waited” in the past tense, go ahead and confidently express your experiences when waiting in both formal and informal settings!
