All this while

USAGE SUMMARY

"all this while" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means "all this time" or "during this whole period of time." You can use it to describe a period of time that has already ended. For example, "I had been running all this while and was exhausted by the end of the race."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

He hasn't said anything all this while.

The New Yorker

I suspect all this – while unlikely-sounding – is true.

The Guardian - Tech

But we ignored his advice and his vision all this while.

The New York Times

All this while, life went happily along.

The Guardian - Film

All this while "il Cavaliere" is still facing plural indictments.

The Guardian - Opinion

All this while, I had fabulous support workers.

The Guardian - Opinion

All this while I was a displaced person".

The Guardian - Business

All this while, Eclipse has been burdened by heavy rugs.

The New York Times

All this while only directly employing about 2% of the workforce.

The Guardian - Business

All this while teaching at leading French universities or chairing investment banks.

The Guardian - Business

All this while still giving their providers a decent profit, so that more is invested.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "all this while", ensure that the context clearly establishes the timeframe you are referring to. This avoids ambiguity and ensures the reader understands the duration being described.

Common error

Avoid using "all this while" without clearly defining the timeframe. If the reader is unsure of the duration you're referencing, the phrase loses its effectiveness and can create confusion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "all this while" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the duration over which an action or state occurred. It specifies the timeframe during which something else was happening. Ludwig confirms that this phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "all this while" is a grammatically correct and frequently used adverbial phrase that indicates simultaneity or continuity over a specific duration. It functions to connect related events and provide context, as seen in various examples provided by Ludwig. While generally neutral in register, it tends to appear more often in formal writing contexts such as news and media or science-related sources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is both correct and widely applicable in English writing. To enhance clarity, define the timeframe. Be mindful of its specific meaning and common usage patterns. Overall, "all this while" is a versatile tool for creating nuanced connections between events and actions in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during this period

Focuses on specifying the duration of an event.

throughout this time

Emphasizes the continuation of an event across a specific duration.

in the meantime

Highlights an event happening between two points in time.

at the same time

A more literal way of indicating simultaneous actions.

while this was happening

Explicitly connects an action to a simultaneous event.

simultaneously

Indicates that events are happening at the same time.

concurrently

Like simultaneously, but often used in more formal contexts.

during that time

Refers to a specific past period of time.

as this occurred

Similar to 'while this was happening' but emphasizes the occurrence.

all the time

Indicates continuous occurrence, but less emphasis on a specific period.

FAQs

How can I use "all this while" in a sentence?

You can use "all this while" to indicate that something happened continuously during a specified period. For example, "He was working on his novel all this while, unaware of the changes happening around him."

What is a good alternative to "all this while"?

Alternatives include "during this period", "throughout this time", or "at the same time", depending on the specific context you want to convey.

Is there a difference between "all this while" and "all the time"?

"All this while" typically refers to a specific, often limited, duration. "All the time" refers to a more general or continuous occurrence. For example, "She practiced piano all this while I was cooking dinner" versus "He listens to music all the time."

Can "all this while" be used to describe future events?

While grammatically possible, "all this while" is most commonly used to describe events that have already occurred or are currently occurring. Using it for future events can sound awkward. Consider using phrases like "during this time" or "throughout this period" for future scenarios.