While

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "while" is an accepted word in written English.
It is a conjunctive adverb used to express a contrast between two ideas or situations, or to introduce a qualification or exception. For example: "I enjoyed the movie, while my friend was not so impressed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It's been a while".

The New York Times - Sports

But it takes a while".

The Guardian - Sport

One day, though, I got to ask him the big question: "Tell me sir, why do you think they haven't given you the Nobel prize?" After a long pause and an amused smile, he replied, "Well, it is a European prize, and only once in a while, when they find you worthy, do they give it out to non-Europeans".

The Guardian - Books

The food market, while it shares that trait that everybody's in it, it is not a market in which your participation is often unpredictable and often involuntary".

The New York Times

Referred to in court as D, she entered a not guilty plea to a charge of intimidation last week while wearing a niqab after the judge backed down from a previous decision that she would have to show her face to be properly identified.

The Guardian

It was nice while it lasted.

The Guardian - Opinion

"While all great things mature with age, the energy may not be in the bottle to the extent that it is needed".

The Guardian

Economically, tight state controls have fostered stagnation and popular resentment while hindering foreign investment.

The Guardian

With its unexpected revival, Ripper Street has grown broader shoulders and a more confident gait, while retaining the stillness that made it so impressive in the first place.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

The Daily Express is already pro-Ukip, while the Sunday Express supports the Tories.

The Guardian

While some may say the changes in England have so far only been at the margins, it is the risk of a slippery slope that should cause concern.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while" to connect contrasting ideas or simultaneous events smoothly, ensuring clarity and logical flow in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "while" to indicate causality; use "since" or "because" instead. "While" primarily denotes time or contrast, not cause and effect.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "while" is as a conjunction, connecting two clauses in a sentence. It can express either a temporal relationship (simultaneous actions) or a contrast between two ideas, as Ludwig AI explains.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "While" functions primarily as a conjunction to indicate simultaneous events or to contrast ideas. Ludwig AI confirms that it is accepted in written English. Predominantly used in News & Media, its neutral register makes it suitable for various communication styles. To avoid errors, remember that "while" signifies time or contrast, not causality. Consider alternatives like "although" or "during the time that" for nuanced expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Whilst

A synonym for "while", primarily used in British English.

Although

Indicates concession or contrast, similar to "while" when used to introduce a clause that presents a contrast to the main clause.

Even though

Similar to "although" and "while", but often emphasizes the surprising or unexpected nature of the contrast.

Whereas

Used to introduce a statement that contrasts with or differs from a previous statement.

During the time that

Replaces the temporal sense of "while", specifying that something happens concurrently with another event.

At the same time

Highlights simultaneous actions or states, capturing the temporal aspect of "while".

As long as

Expresses a condition or duration, similar to "while" when used to indicate a period during which something occurs.

In contrast to

Highlights a direct opposition or difference, similar to "while" when contrasting two situations or ideas.

Despite the fact that

Introduces a contrasting element, similar to "while" when expressing concession.

Notwithstanding

Expresses contrast or concession, often in more formal contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "while" in a sentence to show contrast?

Use "while" to introduce a clause that contrasts with the main clause, such as, "I enjoy running, "while my friend prefers swimming"".

What's the difference between "while" and "although"?

"While" can indicate both time and contrast, whereas "although" primarily indicates contrast or concession. You can often substitute "although" for "while" when expressing contrast, but not when indicating time.

Can I use "while" at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "while" can start a sentence to introduce a contrasting or simultaneous action. For example, "While I agree with you on some points, I disagree on others".

What can I say instead of "while" to indicate simultaneous actions?

You can use phrases like "during the time that" or "as long as" to indicate that two actions are happening at the same time.