while

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "while" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it as a conjunction to connect two clauses or to indicate the passing of time. Example sentence: I read a book while I waited for the bus to arrive.

✓ 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 clearly indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously or to introduce a contrasting idea. Ensure the clauses connected by "while" are logically related to avoid confusion.

Common error

Avoid using "while" with a simple past tense in both clauses when one action interrupts another. Instead, use the past continuous tense for the ongoing action and the simple past for the interrupting action. For example, "I was eating dinner while the phone rang" is correct, not "I ate dinner while the phone rang."

Linguistic Context

"While" primarily functions as a conjunction, connecting two clauses to indicate simultaneous actions, contrast, or condition. This is supported by Ludwig, which highlights examples showing temporal relationships and contrasting ideas. It can also function as a noun meaning a period of time.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while" is a versatile conjunction frequently used to connect clauses indicating simultaneous actions, contrasts, or conditions. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage. While "while" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, it maintains a neutral tone, making it suitable for diverse writing styles. Remember to ensure proper tense usage and logical connections between clauses to maximize clarity. Consider alternatives like "although" or "during the time that" for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst

A more formal synonym for "while", interchangeable in many contexts.

during the time that

Emphasizes the temporal aspect, specifying an action happening concurrently.

at the same time

Stresses the simultaneity of actions or events.

as long as

Indicates a condition that must be met for something else to occur.

as

Can indicate simultaneity or reason depending on context.

although

Highlights a contrast or concession, similar to using "while" to show opposition.

even though

Similar to "although", emphasizing a contrast despite a given condition.

in contrast

Highlights a difference or opposition between two things.

in the meantime

Focuses on the period between two events or actions.

during

A preposition indicating when something happens.

FAQs

How do I use "while" in a sentence to show simultaneous actions?

You can use "while" to connect two clauses describing actions happening at the same time. For example, "She studied hard "while he played video games"."

What can I say instead of "while" to indicate contrast?

To show contrast, consider using "although", "whereas", or "even though" instead of "while", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is there a difference between using "while" and "whilst"?

"Whilst" is a more formal and somewhat archaic synonym for "while". Both can be used to indicate simultaneous actions or contrast, but "while" is more common in contemporary English.

Can "while" be used at the beginning of a sentence?

Yes, "while" can be used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a dependent clause. For example, "While I agree with you, I have some reservations."