Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[boogy7]

Hello everyone!
I'm a university student majoring English Education.

I was working on some assignments last week, and there was a confusing problem I couldn't figure out.

Do you know the difference of "wait for" and "wait on"?

Usually in dictionary, "wait on" means "to serve" but does native Americans really use it often in that way? I thought they use it both "wait for" and "wait on" as the same meaning of "waiting someone or something".

Could you give some hint?
_________________
Jonathan

[cgage]

It is confusing. You could ask a waiter in a restaurant to "wait on you" (serve you). You could also tell your friend to "wait on you" at the restaurant because you will be late.
To avoid confusion, say "wait for" (time)
"wait on" (service)

If that's not confusing enough, if you go to New York City, someone might tell you to "wait on line" (wait in line).

Also, the term "native American" sounds like you're referring to an American Indian. Say: native speaker of American English.

[boogy7]

Wow..I didn't expect that the reply come so fast!

Thank you for your advice cgage.
_________________
Jonathan