Wait Up For – Meaning and Examples

Have you ever stayed awake late at night because you were expecting someone to come home? Maybe your child had a late event, your partner was traveling, or a friend was coming back from a trip. In English, you can say you waited up for them! This warm, everyday phrase means to stay awake later than usual because you’re expecting someone to arrive or something to happen.

What Does “Wait Up For” Mean?

“Wait up for” means to stay awake past your normal bedtime while waiting for someone to return or for something to occur. Think of it like holding off sleep on purpose—just so you can see or speak to someone when they arrive. The phrase isn’t about standing or physical waiting; it’s about delaying sleep out of care, concern, or anticipation.

When to Use It

Use this phrase in casual or caring conversations with family, friends, or roommates when talking about staying awake for someone’s return. It’s common in households, among close friends, or when sharing personal stories. This phrase is informal but widely understood—great for real-life chats, not formal writing.

Example Sentences

I waited up for my daughter until 2 a.m.—I couldn’t sleep until she got home safely.
Don’t wait up for me—I’ll be back really late.
He waited up for the final game score even though he was exhausted.
My mom always waited up for me when I had night shifts.

Mini Dialogue

Alex: “You look tired this morning.”

Jamie: “Yeah, I waited up for my brother. His flight was delayed.”

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t use “wait up for” to describe general waiting during the day. It specifically refers to staying awake *at night*—not waiting in an office, at a bus stop, or during regular hours.

❌ Don’t say: “I waited up for the package all afternoon.” (Use “waited for” instead.)
✅ Do say: “I waited up for her call last night.”

Practice Tip

Next time someone comes home late, say: “I waited up for you!” It’s a natural, caring way to show you were thinking of them in English.

Final Note

Now you can use “wait up for” to express care and connection in everyday English! It’s a simple phrase that carries warmth and concern. Keep using it—and remember, sometimes the most loving thing is just staying awake a little longer.

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