while he is talking

USAGE SUMMARY

"while he is talking" is a grammatically correct phrase that can be used in written English.
It is a subordinate clause that describes an action that is happening at the same time as the main verb in the sentence. Example: "While he is talking, I can't help but notice how passionate he is about the topic."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

While he is talking, someone sneezes, and he gives them a lolly.

The Guardian

But his presentations are so stiff and jargony that potential backers nod off while he is talking.

The New York Times

While he is talking, he is wandering among the 27,000 tombstones, monuments and statues, each representing a life lived.

The New York Times

While he is talking to the police, the narrator believes he can hear the corpse's heart still beating, and he hysterically confesses his crime.

Encyclopedia Britannica

On an outer court at the Open last year, fans were shouting between serves, a breach of etiquette in tennis that is on par with interrupting someone while he is talking.

The New York Times - Sports

While he is talking, COO John King, who has been watching, interrupts.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

46 human-written examples

While he was talking, friends and supporters walked up.

The New York Times

While he's talking, another long-term resident wanders in.

The Guardian

I didn't understand him because he was drinking beer while he was talking to me.

The New Yorker

While he was talking, Hotz had been playing with the iPad 2.

The New Yorker

"I started thinking about all kinds of things while he was talking," Batmanglij said.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When constructing sentences with the phrase "while he is talking", ensure that the main clause contains a verb that also reflects an ongoing or simultaneous action for clarity and coherence. This will enhance the readability and flow of your writing.

Common error

Avoid placing the "while he is talking" clause in a way that creates a dangling modifier. Ensure the subject of the main clause is clearly performing an action simultaneously with the person talking. For instance, instead of "While he is talking, the phone rang", consider "While he is talking, I answered the phone".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while he is talking" functions as an adverbial clause of time, modifying the main verb in a sentence. It specifies when another action is taking place, indicating simultaneity. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Wiki

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Social Media

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while he is talking" is a grammatically correct adverbial clause of time used to indicate simultaneity between an action and someone's speech. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase is versatile and appears in various contexts, primarily in news and media, though its frequency is relatively uncommon. When using the phrase, be sure to avoid misplaced modifiers and ensure the main clause's subject aligns logically with the ongoing action. Considering alternatives like "as he speaks" or "during his speech" can add variety to your writing. The phrase's neutral register makes it suitable for diverse communication needs.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst he is speaking

Uses a more formal synonym for "while".

as he's talking

Uses a contraction for a slightly more informal tone.

as he speaks

Uses a different conjunction and verb form to indicate concurrent action.

at the same time that he is talking

Adds emphasis to the simultaneity of the actions.

during his speech

Replaces the clause with a prepositional phrase, focusing on the event.

while he speaks

Removes the continuous aspect, implying a general habit.

during his presentation

Specifies the context as a formal presentation.

as he delivers his address

Replaces "talking" with a more formal term and specifies "address".

during the course of his talk

Uses a more elaborate phrase to denote the time frame.

even as he talks

Adds a sense of surprise or contrast.

FAQs

How can I use "while he is talking" in a sentence?

The phrase "while he is talking" introduces a subordinate clause indicating something happening at the same time as his speech. For example: "While he is talking, take notes" or "While he is talking, I'm trying to understand his point".

What are some alternatives to "while he is talking"?

Alternatives include "as he speaks", "during his speech", or "whilst he is speaking", depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "while he is talking" and "while he was talking"?

"While he is talking" implies the speech is currently happening, while "while he was talking" refers to a speech that occurred in the past. The choice depends on the timeline you are describing.

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

Yes, "while he is talking" can begin a sentence, but remember to follow it with a comma before the main clause. For example: "While he is talking, I'm carefully considering what he has to say".