while earning

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while earning" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that an action is taking place simultaneously with the process of earning something, such as money or experience. Example: "She managed to travel the world while earning a living as a freelance writer."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

For a while, earning potential dominated Mira's thinking probably because it was her current job's most obvious shortcoming.

Science Magazine

while earning nothing.

The New Yorker

Xiaomi did it while earning a profit.

The New York Times

The subsequent implosion cost investors $700m while earning Citi $160m.

The Economist

They scored only 15 points while earning two technical fouls.

The New York Times - Sports

But while earning his credentials out East, he never left Marmarth behind.

The New York Times - Science

Sabathia faced no big innings against the Mets while earning his fourth consecutive win.

The New York Times - Sports

While earning a photography degree from Pratt Institute, he also began to study modern dance.

The New York Times - Arts

While earning that degree, Mr. Sun studied in Britain for a half-year.

The New York Times

AT&T booked $62.4 billion in overall revenue last year, while earning $3.4 billion.

The New York Times

He allowed six hits while earning consecutive wins after going nearly three years without one.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while earning" to clearly indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously, especially when one action results in a gain or benefit. For example, "She studied diligently while earning a scholarship".

Common error

Avoid using "while earning" to express a direct cause-and-effect relationship. It's better suited for simultaneous actions, not reasons. Instead of saying "He improved while earning a promotion", consider "He improved, which led to earning a promotion" to clarify the cause.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while earning" functions as a conjunction, linking two clauses where one action occurs during the process of gaining something else. Ludwig AI confirms its usability, showing examples where it connects concurrent activities, such as studying and receiving a scholarship.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

63%

Science

17%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Wiki

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while earning" is a common and grammatically correct way to indicate that two actions are happening simultaneously. It's versatile, appearing frequently in news and media, and to a lesser extent in scientific and encyclopedic contexts. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is well-established in English and serves to add context by linking actions. When writing, ensure that you use "while earning" to describe simultaneous events, not causal relationships, and remember that numerous alternatives exist, such as "simultaneously gaining", for varied expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

simultaneously gaining

Focuses on the act of obtaining something at the same time, similar to earning.

whilst acquiring

Uses a more formal term "whilst" and "acquiring" instead of "while" and "earning".

during the process of gaining

Replaces "while earning" with a more descriptive phrase emphasizing the process.

as one is rewarded

Emphasizes the reward aspect of earning, framing it as something being received.

in the act of achieving

Shifts focus to the achievement aspect, suggesting accomplishment alongside another action.

as one secures

Highlights the act of making something certain or safe while doing something else.

at the same time as profiting

Specifically mentions the act of profiting, implying a financial gain alongside another action.

concurrently obtaining

Uses a more formal tone by using the adverb 'concurrently' instead of 'while'

in tandem with receiving

Emphasizes the parallel nature of the actions, suggesting they occur together in a coordinated way.

amidst the acquisition of

Suggests the action occurs during a period of acquiring something, often implying some disruption or background activity.

FAQs

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

Use "while earning" to show that someone is doing something at the same time they are gaining something, such as money, experience, or a degree. For example, "She worked as a tutor "while earning" her degree".

What are some alternatives to "while earning"?

Alternatives include phrases like "simultaneously gaining", "whilst acquiring", or "during the process of gaining", depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis.

Is it correct to use "while earning" to show a cause-and-effect relationship?

No, "while earning" is best used to indicate simultaneous actions, not causation. For expressing cause and effect, use phrases like "because of", "due to", or "as a result of".

What is the difference between "while earning" and "by earning"?

"While earning" indicates two actions happening at the same time, whereas "by earning" suggests that the second action is a direct result of the first. For example, "He improved his skills "while earning" a promotion" (simultaneous) versus "He gained experience "by earning" the promotion" (result of).