Coding⏱️ 3 min read📅 2026-06-03

How to Fix: Await is a reserved word error inside async function

Await is a reserved word error inside async function

Quick Answer: {

The 'await is a reserved word' error occurs when using the await keyword inside an async function, which can be confusing because async functions are designed to use await. This error specifically affects developers who are new to asynchronous programming or are not familiar with the nuances of JavaScript syntax.

This error can be frustrating for developers because it prevents them from writing clean and efficient code. However, understanding the cause and resolving the issue will allow you to write high-quality code that takes advantage of async functions.

⚠️ Common Causes

  • The main reason why this error happens is due to a syntax mistake in the JavaScript code. When an async function is defined, it uses the await keyword to pause its execution until other operations are completed. However, if the await keyword is used inside another function, such as a callback or a promise handler, it can cause unexpected behavior and errors.
  • Another possible reason for this error could be due to a conflict with other reserved words in JavaScript. The await keyword has the same syntax as the return keyword, which can lead to confusion and errors.

🚀 How to Resolve This Issue

Fixing the Error by Rewriting the Async Function

  1. Step 1: Rewrite the sendVerificationEmail function to use a different variable name instead of await.
  2. Step 2: Replace the await keyword with a different variable name, such as 'result' or 'promise', and then assign the result to that variable.
  3. Step 3: Use the promise.then() method to handle the resolved value instead of using await directly.

Fixing the Error by Using a Different Syntax

  1. Step 1: Replace the await keyword with the .then() method, like this: Auth.sendEmailVerification().then(() => { ... });
  2. Step 2: Use a different syntax to handle the promise, such as using .catch() or .finally() methods.

✨ Wrapping Up

To resolve the 'await is a reserved word' error inside an async function, you can either rewrite the function to use a different variable name instead of await or use a different syntax to handle the promise. By following these steps and understanding the cause of the error, you can write clean and efficient code that takes advantage of async functions.

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