while at work

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while at work" is correct and commonly used in written English.
It is typically used to describe an action or situation that occurs during the time someone is working. Some examples of how to use this phrase in a sentence are: - "I received a phone call from my boss while at work." - "While at work, I noticed that the printer was out of ink." - "Please refrain from using your cell phone while at work." - "I always try to stay focused while at work." - "While at work, I like to listen to music to help me concentrate."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While at work.

The New Yorker

First, make it easier to eat well while at work.

The New York Times

Everyone wants to have a good time while at work".

The New Yorker

He died in 1932 while at work on the script.

The Guardian - Books

While at work, he is so crippled by anxiety that he sabotages himself at every turn.

The New York Times

While at work always take the stairs and always walk up escalators.

Independent

We all do things we regret while at work, don't we?

The Guardian - Opinion

You might ride to and from work; he rides while at work.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kayla Fischer, 29, learned of Prince's death while at work on Thursday.

The Guardian - Music

"I could only use the Internet and my mobile phone while at work," she told me.

The New Yorker

Probably shouldn't have mentioned keeping up with the OBO while at work, in hindsight".

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while at work", ensure the context clearly indicates the activity or event is happening concurrently with the employee's work hours. For instance, "While at work, I attended a mandatory training session."

Common error

With remote work becoming more prevalent, be precise when using "while at work". If the location is not a traditional office, specify the location or task. For example, "While at work from home, I had a video conference."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while at work" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timing of an action or event. As Ludwig AI confirms, it describes occurrences concurrent with working hours. Examples from Ludwig show various activities such as receiving news, using technology, or balancing personal and professional tasks.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

26%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while at work" is a common and grammatically correct adverbial phrase used to specify that an action or event is occurring during one's working hours. As confirmed by Ludwig AI and evidenced by numerous examples, its primary function is to provide temporal context, clarifying when something happens in relation to an individual's professional activities. It's versatile enough for use in news, business, and general conversation, maintaining a neutral tone. When using this phrase, ensure clarity about the location and activity, especially in the context of remote work. Alternatives like "during work hours" or "on the job" can be used for stylistic variation. Overall, "while at work" is a reliable and widely understood phrase for describing events in the workplace.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at work

Shorter, but can sometimes lack the same contextual clarity depending on sentence structure.

whilst at work

A more formal or British English variant.

during work hours

This alternative is more concise and focuses on the time frame.

during working hours

Similar to "during work hours", but emphasizes the established or official timeframe for work.

on the job

Similar in meaning, but potentially implying a task or activity is currently in progress.

while on duty

More common for specific professions like law enforcement or medical staff.

at the workplace

Focuses on location rather than time.

during one's work time

Highlights the allocation of personal time to work activities.

in the office

This alternative is specific to office environments.

during employment

More formal and suggests something that occurs at any point during the period of employment.

FAQs

How can I use "while at work" in a sentence?

You can use "while at work" to describe actions or events that occur during your working hours. For instance, "I received an important email "while at work"" or "While at work, I usually drink a cup of coffee".

What are some alternatives to "while at work"?

Some alternatives include "during work hours", "on the job", "during working hours", or "at the workplace", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "whilst at work" instead of "while at work"?

Yes, "whilst at work" is grammatically correct and has the same meaning as ""while at work"". "Whilst" is simply a more formal or British English variant of "while".

What is the difference between "at work" and "while at work"?

"At work" generally refers to being employed or the location of one's job. "While at work" specifies that something happens concurrently with the act of working. For example, "I am at work" versus "While at work, I take short breaks".