keep sb waiting

This page is about the collocation keep sb waiting

collocation pattern: verb + verb

Meaning

to make somebody wait

For example

  • Sorry to keep you waiting.

  • They kept me waiting for an hour before my job interview.

Quick Quiz

If you've kept someone waiting, you should

a. ask them why they're late

b. apologize to them

c. ask them what they're waiting for
a) ask them why they're late b) apologize to them c) ask them what they're waiting for

Contributor: Matt Errey