Your opinions on English grammar and usage [Click on each arrow for more]

[pulykamell]

Recent discussion here:

"waiting for" vs. "waiting on"

This question was inspired by the thread “in to” vs. “into” It drives me crazy when I hear something like, “I was waiting on so-and-so to get back to me about my question.” To me, this is a clear example where one should use “waiting for”. The phrase “waiting on” refers specifically to the sort of thing done by waiters and waitresses. It is an act of service, to stand by someone, and wait for their instructions. A lieutenant might wait on a general while the general decides what to do next. B…

Here in Chicago, I hear both forms.