Wait [for]

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New2grammar

#488725 Fri, 14 Mar 08 04:58 AM

1) You told us to meet you at the mall at 9. We got there at 9.10 and you weren't there. And we waited [for] 10 minutes before deciding to leave without you.

2) My parents waited [for] 1 hour for me in the pouring rain.

Is the preposition for following 'wait' always obmitted?

Thanks in advance!

New2grammar

Joined on Tue, Nov 21 2006

Veteran Member (7,676)

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Prepositions

Mister Micawber

#488731 Fri, 14 Mar 08 05:20 AM

.
It is optional but often omitted in informal English; use for when writing formally.

Mister Micawber

Joined on Wed, Aug 4 2004

Yokohama

Veteran Member (22,619)

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CalifJim

#488733 Fri, 14 Mar 08 05:21 AM

New2grammar
Is the preposition ~~for~~ following 'wait' always ~~obmitted~~ omitted?

No. It's required when the person(s) or event you're waiting for is mentioned next.

We waited for our parents at school.

We will wait for you at the corner.

They waited for the concert to begin.

It's not required when the amount of time you wait is mentioned next. In this case you can say for or not say it.

The man left because he couldn't wait another hour.

The man left because he couldn't wait for another hour.

CalifJim

Joined on Mon, Aug 2 2004

California

Veteran Member (17,720)

"There are no facts, only interpretations" - Nietzsche

Grammar, Prepositions

beaverbeaver

#488741 Fri, 14 Mar 08 05:41 AM

i guess we can still use it if we want to, it doesn't change anything.. would the prep make it sound more formal?

beaverbeaver

Joined on Wed, Mar 12 2008

Latvia (but always moving)

New Member (16)

Goodman

#488749 Fri, 14 Mar 08 06:10 AM

Hi Beaver,
Please forgive me for asking. If curiosity kills ta cat, this cat may be endangered just about now. (:D) Big Smile

Reading your posting, you sounded like a native.
Am I correct? Is there a reason you don't like to capitalize?

Goodman

Joined on Mon, Nov 7 2005

Calif. USA

Senior Member (3,247)

The name says it all!