Question

Wait on vs Wait for Difference

Answer 1

wait on - обслуживать (например, клиента в магазине или ресторане)

Пример: The hotel staff waited on the couple at their wedding dinner.

wait for - ждать кого-либо/что-либо
Пример: I've been waiting for them for 20 minutes.

Иногда можно услышать, как носители языка говорят "wait on somebody" в значении wait for, но это считается ошибкой (особенно в экзаменационных работах).
Хотя есть исключение: некоторые словари указывают, что в США ( Chiefly Midland and Southern U.S.) возможно употребление wait on в значении wait for (a person)

Answer 2

The main difference between "wait on" and "wait for" is the preposition used and the direction of the action.

"Wait on" is used when someone or something is serving or assisting someone else. It means to be in attendance or to provide a service to someone. For example:

• The waiter is waiting on the customers at the restaurant.
• The nurse is waiting on the doctor to give her instructions.

"Wait for" is used when someone is anticipating the arrival or occurrence of something. It means to remain in a place until something expected happens. For example:

• I'm waiting for the bus to arrive.
• She's waiting for her friend to call her back.

In summary, "wait on" means to serve or assist someone, while "wait for" means to anticipate the arrival or occurrence of something.