0
Taka Posted 20 years ago
Grammar

wait

What exactly is the difference between 'I'm waiting for you' and 'I'm waiting on you'?
  

Top answer

I suspect 'on you' is USEnglish (but I'm not sure). We only say 'for you' in BritEnglish - unless we are waiting on someone in a serving them sort of way. A waiter/waitress waits on the customers.

— Nona the brit

  • I suspect 'on you' is USEnglish (but I'm not sure).
  • We only say 'for you' in BritEnglish - unless we are waiting on someone in a serving them sort of way.
  • A waiter/waitress waits on the customers.
Free · every Monday

Get the Weekly English Kit 📬

New words, one handy idiom, and a 2-minute quiz — delivered to your inbox to keep your streak alive.

6 Answers
0
I suspect 'on you' is USEnglish (but I'm not sure).

We only say 'for you' in BritEnglish - unless we are waiting on someone in a serving them sort of way. A waiter/waitress waits on the customers.
0
0
This has been discussed not so long ago, but I can't find the thread.

Basically, "to wait on someone" is do what a waiter does in a restaurant, fill the glasses, bring the dishes; he takes care of you, tends to your needs. On the other hand, "to wait for someone", well, it's to be in some place, looking at your watch with mounting impatience, until the person you are to meet arrives.
0
0
Actually, it's from Madonna's new song.

http://www.lyricsbox.com/madonna-lyrics-hung-up-nn1cjnw.html

I don't think she is singing a song about a waitress, or is she?
0
0
Well, I think she's tired of waiting to his every needs. Your imagination might help you here.
0
0
"Waiting to his every needs"?

What does 'wait to [noun]' mean?
0
0
My mistake, Taka, sorry... I meant "tending", not "waiting". Tired of waiting on him is, you know, tired of doing whatever it takes to please him even before he asks.
0

Related Questions