Navigate Lingo

All confusables

Await / Wait for

Different forms

Await takes a direct object; wait normally takes for before the thing expected.

Await

Use when

You use the more formal verb and place the expected person, event or response directly after it.

Example

“We await your confirmation before proceeding.”

Wait for

Use when

You use the ordinary verb wait before naming the person, event or response expected.

Example

“We are waiting for your confirmation before proceeding.”

Quick check

await for your reply, waiting your approval, awaiting for confirmation

Usage note

Await is more formal and can sound stiff in routine emails. Wait for is often plainer, but both constructions are correct when formed properly.

Source checked 2026-08-12 (opens in a new tab)