Sometimes when you are very busy and somebody asks you do do something, you need to ask them to wait. Here are ten phrases for asking people to wait.
10 expressions to Use In Speaking And Writing:
- Hang on a moment / a mo.
- Give us a second.
- Half a moment / a mo.
- I'll be right with you.
- Sorry, I'm a bit tied up right now.
- Wait and see.
- You'll just have to be patient.
- Give me a chance.
- Don't be so impatient.
- We wish to apologise for the delay to...
How To Use These Phrases In Your English:
- Phrases 1, 2, and 3 are quite informal but polite in tone. You are busy and expect to be able to help them quite soon.
- Phrase 4 is especially useful in customer service situations where you want to ask a customer to wait for a few minutes.
- Phrase 5 is really saying how busy you are but at the same time you are asking people to wait. It is quite polite.
- Phrase 6 is refusing to tell somebody something about the near future. We often use it when we are preparing a surprise for somebody.
- Phrases 7 and 8 are less polite and are suggesting that you think the other person is being too impatient.
- Phrase 9 is more impolite and you are actually directly criticising the other person for being impatient.
- Phrase 10 is a formal announcement that you might hear on a train or plane in the UK. It is followed by a noun phrase.
Intermediate
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The article presents ten phrases for requesting patience in different situations. Here's a breakdown of the concepts and how to use these phrases effectively:
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Hang on a moment / a mo:
- Informal but polite.
- Suitable for casual situations where you're busy but expect to help soon.
-
Give us a second:
- Informal and polite.
- Conveys the idea that you need a brief moment.
-
Half a moment / a mo:
- Informal and polite.
- Similar to "Hang on a moment," indicating a short delay.
-
I'll be right with you:
- Polite and reassuring.
- Used in situations, especially in customer service, where you need a few minutes.
-
Sorry, I'm a bit tied up right now:
- Polite and acknowledges your current busyness.
- Conveys that you're occupied but willing to assist.
-
Wait and see:
- Implies a sense of anticipation.
- Used when you're preparing something and want it to be a surprise.
-
You'll just have to be patient:
- Less polite, but still firm.
- Suggests that the person needs to wait without being impatient.
-
Give me a chance:
- Less polite.
- Indicates that the person needs to wait and not rush things.
-
Don't be so impatient:
- More direct in addressing impatience.
- Expresses disapproval of the person's impatience.
-
We wish to apologize for the delay to...:
- Formal announcement.
- Typically used in public transportation settings in the UK.
These phrases cater to various levels of formality and politeness, allowing you to choose the most appropriate one based on the context and relationship with the person you're addressing. If you have any specific questions or if there's anything else related to language and communication that you'd like to explore, feel free to ask!
