what's the difference between wait and await?
what's the difference between wait and await?

Question

Answer

Hi Sandy,

✳️Wait can be followed by an infinitive.

☑️I'll wait to hear from you before I do anything.

✳️Before a direct object, wait for is used.

☑️Please wait for me here. (❎NOT Please wait me here.)

✳️That-clauses are not used, but an object + infinitive structure is possible.

☑️We'll have to wait for the photos to be ready. (❎NOT ... wait that the photos are ready.)

✳️The time preposition for is often dropped after wait.

☑️I waited (for) a very long time for her answer.

✳️✳️✳️The transitive verb await is formal, and is used mostly with abstract objects.

We're still awaiting instructions.

From 📕Practical English Usage📕 by Micheal Swan

Answer

Thank you, Jon, it's very clear.

Answer

Wait can be used without an object for instance I am waiting.  Whereas await normally means waiting for something for instance I await the results of my exam.

Wait can be considered passing time.  Await is also considered passing time but with a expectation of something.

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