We are all familiar with the phrase “wait a moment”. However, “wait” sounds not that polite in the working context. Also, how long does “a moment” exactly mean?
Below are some formal and polite ways of asking someone to wait.
- Wait a while
“A while” is longer than “a moment”. Remember to say “wait a while” when you need more time.
You might have to wait a while.
- Just a moment
“Just” is a mild version of “wait” that sounds politer.
Give me just a moment please.
- Give a second
It is similar to “wait a moment”, which can be shortened to “give me a sec” in a conversation.
- Hold on
It is often used in phone calls.
Could you hold on a moment/second/sec?
- Hang on
An informal way of speaking, it can be used among friends and colleagues.
Hang on, I’m kind of busy now.
- Hold your horses
An idiom for telling someone to slow down/keep clam.
Hold your horses. If you keep rushing, it will not turn out as what you expect.
- Wait for me
Stop saying “wait me”, it should be “wait for me”.
Wait for me, I’m coming.
