Is It Correct to Say ‘waiting your reply’?
No, it is not grammatically correct to say “waiting your reply” in standard English. The verb “wait” requires the preposition “for” before the object you are waiting for. The correct phrase is “waiting for your reply.” This is a very common mistake among English learners because the structure differs from many other languages where a preposition is not needed.
Quick Answer
Use “waiting for your reply” or “awaiting your reply.” Never use “waiting your reply” alone. “Awaiting” is a transitive verb and does not need “for,” but it is more formal. “Waiting for” is the standard, natural choice in most situations.
Why “Waiting Your Reply” Is Wrong
The verb “wait” is intransitive in this context. An intransitive verb cannot take a direct object. You cannot “wait something”; you must “wait for something.” The word “for” is a preposition that connects the verb to the thing you are waiting for. Without it, the sentence is incomplete and ungrammatical.
Compare these sentences:
- Incorrect: I am waiting the bus.
- Correct: I am waiting for the bus.
- Incorrect: She is waiting her friend.
- Correct: She is waiting for her friend.
- Incorrect: We are waiting your reply.
- Correct: We are waiting for your reply.
Formal vs. Informal Tone
The choice between “waiting for your reply” and “awaiting your reply” depends on the tone you want to set.
| Phrase | Tone | Context | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Waiting for your reply | Neutral to informal | Emails to colleagues, friends, or in casual conversation | “I’m waiting for your reply before I send the report.” |
| Awaiting your reply | Formal | Business letters, official correspondence, or formal emails | “We are awaiting your reply at your earliest convenience.” |
| Waiting on your reply | Informal / Regional | Common in some dialects (especially American English) but can sound slightly less polished | “I’m waiting on your reply to move forward.” |
Nuance: “Awaiting” is more direct and can sound a bit stiff in everyday conversation. “Waiting for” is the safest and most versatile choice. “Waiting on” is acceptable in informal speech but is best avoided in formal writing.
Natural Examples
Here are examples of how native speakers naturally use these phrases in different situations.
Email Context
- “Thank you for your email. I am waiting for your reply to the questions I sent.”
- “Please find the attached document. I look forward to your feedback and am awaiting your reply.”
- “Just checking in. I’m waiting for your reply on the budget proposal.”
Conversation Context
- “A: Did you hear back from Sarah? B: No, I’m still waiting for her reply.”
- “I sent him a message an hour ago, but I’m waiting for his reply.”
- “She said she would call. I’m waiting for her reply before I make any plans.”
Formal Writing
- “The committee is awaiting your reply before proceeding with the application.”
- “We are awaiting your reply to our offer.”
Common Mistakes
Learners often make these errors when using “wait” with a reply or response.
- Mistake 1: “Waiting your reply”
Incorrect: “I am waiting your reply.”
Correct: “I am waiting for your reply.” - Mistake 2: “Waiting for reply” (missing article or possessive)
Incorrect: “I am waiting for reply.”
Correct: “I am waiting for your reply.” or “I am waiting for a reply.” - Mistake 3: “Awaiting for your reply”
Incorrect: “I am awaiting for your reply.” (This adds an unnecessary “for.”)
Correct: “I am awaiting your reply.” - Mistake 4: Using “wait” with a direct object in other contexts
Incorrect: “Please wait me.”
Correct: “Please wait for me.”
Better Alternatives
If you want to vary your language, here are some natural alternatives to “waiting for your reply.”
- Looking forward to your reply – Polite and positive. Best for emails where you expect a response soon.
- Hoping to hear from you soon – Friendly and slightly less direct.
- I await your response – Very formal and direct.
- Let me know when you have a chance – Casual and considerate.
- I’ll wait for your answer – Simple and clear for conversation.
When to use “awaiting your reply”: Use this phrase in formal letters, official emails, or when you want to sound professional and respectful. It is not suitable for casual text messages or chats with friends.
Mini Practice Section
Test your understanding. Choose the correct option for each sentence.
- I am _______ your reply before I make a decision.
a) waiting
b) waiting for
c) awaiting for
Answer: b) waiting for - We are _______ your response to the contract.
a) waiting
b) waiting for
c) awaiting
Answer: c) awaiting (formal context) - She said she is _______ my answer.
a) waiting
b) waiting for
c) awaiting for
Answer: b) waiting for - Please don’t keep me _______.
a) waiting
b) waiting for
c) await
Answer: a) waiting (This is a fixed expression: “keep someone waiting.”)
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is “awaiting your reply” grammatically correct?
Yes, “awaiting your reply” is grammatically correct. “Await” is a transitive verb, so it takes a direct object without a preposition. It is more formal than “waiting for your reply.”
2. Can I say “waiting on your reply”?
Yes, “waiting on your reply” is used in informal English, especially in American English. However, it can sound slightly less polished than “waiting for your reply.” In formal writing, stick with “waiting for” or “awaiting.”
3. What is the difference between “wait” and “await”?
“Wait” is usually intransitive and needs a preposition like “for.” “Await” is transitive and does not need a preposition. “Await” is also more formal and often implies expectation of something definite. For example, “I await your decision” is more formal than “I am waiting for your decision.”
4. Is it okay to say “I am waiting for reply” without “your”?
No, this is not natural. You need a determiner like “your,” “a,” or “the.” Say “I am waiting for your reply” or “I am waiting for a reply.” Saying “I am waiting for reply” is grammatically incomplete.
Final Note
Remember the simple rule: if you use “wait,” you almost always need “for” before the thing you are waiting for. The only common exception is the fixed expression “keep someone waiting.” For everyday emails and conversations, “waiting for your reply” is your best choice. For formal letters, “awaiting your reply” works perfectly. Avoid “waiting your reply” entirely, and you will sound much more natural.
For more help with common grammar questions, visit our Grammar Accuracy Checks section. If you have a specific question, feel free to contact us. You can also read our FAQ for answers to other common English learning questions.
