There are two differences between wait và await:

 

 

 

The verb "await" must have an object that is something (non - human) and often abstract. E.g: "I am awaiting your answer".  So we cannot say "John is awaiting me".

Meanwwhile, the verb "wait" can go with different sentence structures.
First, you can simply use the verb "wait" alone as in the following sentence 'We have been waiting but nobody has come to talk to us".

Next, we can use 'wait' with another verb. E.g: 'I waited in line to go into the theatre".

In addition, we use 'wait' to talk about time we have to wait. E.g: 'I have been waiting here for at least an hour".

Finally, we use “ wait” to mention what or who we are waiting. E.g: We can say: 'I have been waiting for you for two hours!'

2. The second difference between the verbs 'wait' and 'await' is the degree of solemnity and intimacy of the sentence. 

'Await' sounds more formal and is often used in formal letters. “Wait” is used more intimately.

 

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