while I waited

USAGE SUMMARY

"while I waited" is a correct and commonly used construction in written English.
It is typically used to describe a period of time in which an action or event occurred. Example: While I waited for my flight at the airport, I passed the time by reading a book.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I started performing CPR on her while I waited for the ambulance to arrive.

Huffington Post

While I waited, this nudnik kept kibitzing.

The New York Times

While I waited, I scanned the room for Tomasina.

The New Yorker

People immediately started chatting while I waited at red lights.

The New York Times

While I waited, I tried to change the tire myself.

The New York Times

While I waited, I thought about the possible verdicts.

The New York Times - Magazine

Amanda was washing her feet in the bath while I waited next door with my camera.

The Guardian

I let her stand and serve people while I waited out the back.

Independent

It tormented me while I waited three hours to cut them, a supreme sacrifice.

The New York Times - Food

I had lunch while I waited at a fast-food joint nearby.

The New York Times

While I waited, we received a call from the main Marine headquarters.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while I waited" to clearly indicate that an action occurred during a period of waiting. This helps establish a temporal relationship between events.

Common error

Avoid using "while I waited" to imply a causal relationship. This phrase primarily denotes a time frame, not a cause-and-effect scenario. For causation, use phrases like "because I waited" or "due to my waiting".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while I waited" functions as a temporal clause, indicating that an action or event occurred during a specific period of waiting. Ludwig AI confirms this is a correct and commonly used structure.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while I waited" is a correct and very commonly used conjunction phrase used to establish a temporal relationship between a period of waiting and an action that occurred during that time. As indicated by Ludwig AI, it’s grammatically sound and widely accepted in written English. This phrase is predominantly found in News & Media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure it accurately reflects a time-based connection and avoid implying causation. For more variety, consider using alternatives like "as I was waiting" or "during my wait".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

as I was waiting

Replaces 'while' with 'as', emphasizing the continuous nature of waiting.

during my wait

Uses a noun phrase to describe the waiting period, shifting the emphasis slightly.

in the interim

Replaces the entire phrase with a more formal expression for the time between events.

as I bided my time

Emphasizes patience and strategic waiting.

pending the event

Focuses on the event being waited for, using a more concise structure.

awaiting the moment

Highlights anticipation and eagerness for what's to come.

in anticipation

Expresses a state of excitement and expectation during the waiting period.

beforehand

Simply indicates something done earlier, lacking the direct connection to waiting.

during the pause

Focuses on a brief interruption or break.

meanwhile

Indicates something happening at the same time, not necessarily related to waiting.

FAQs

How can I use "while I waited" in a sentence?

Use "while I waited" to connect an action that happened during a period of waiting for something else. For example, "While I waited for the bus, I read a book."

What are some alternatives to "while I waited"?

You can use alternatives like "as I was waiting", "during my wait", or "in the interim" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "whilst I waited" instead of "while I waited"?

"Whilst I waited" is grammatically correct, but it is less common than "while I waited", especially in American English. The choice depends on your desired level of formality and regional dialect.

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

Yes, "while I waited" can be placed at the beginning of a sentence to emphasize the sequence of events. For example, "While I waited, I observed the other people in the room."