while he was in charge

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while he was in charge" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a specific time period during which someone held a position of authority or responsibility. Example: "The team achieved significant milestones while he was in charge, demonstrating his effective leadership."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

While he was in charge, Bombay's stock price fell by more than two-thirds.

The New York Times

Murray insists Rangers were not heading for administration while he was in charge.

The Guardian - Sport

The David Minkin Rehabilitation Institute at the center, named in his honor, was built while he was in charge.

The New York Times

Of course, it is a shame he did not consider executive clemency while he was in charge.

The Guardian - Opinion

Kofi Annan, who has a godlike demeanor, stood on the sidelines and watched as genocide unfolded in Bosnia and Rwanda while he was in charge of peacekeeping operation.

The New York Times

So pragmatism got the better of the City coach Roberto Mancini's declaration that Tévez would never wear the blue shirt while he was in charge.

The New York Times - Sports

While he was in charge, Mr. Farnood had total control over what loans were made and what money was moved out of Kabul Bank, Mr. Karzai said.

The New York Times

Mr Cameron gave the first indication of his strategy last night, insisting Tories would never "vacate the centre ground" while he was in charge.

Independent

Paul Revere turns out to be a surprising villain, Mr. Flood writes, because of his blunders while he was in charge' of artillery in Maine.

The New York Times

Mr. Eugene says that while he was in charge, it was a worthwhile agency without problems, one he felt committed to support as a council member.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

We've got to the point where loyal fans, who have been going for donkey's years, have said they're not going back while he's in charge.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase, ensure the context clearly defines who "he" refers to, avoiding ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid attributing all outcomes solely to the person "while he was in charge". Recognize that external factors and team contributions also play significant roles. Accurately credit individual responsibility within the broader context.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while he was in charge" functions as a prepositional phrase indicating the period during which someone held a position of authority or responsibility. Ludwig examples show it's used to specify when certain events or actions occurred under someone's leadership. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

83%

Wiki

8%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

2%

Science

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while he was in charge" is a common and grammatically sound way to indicate a period of responsibility or authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is correct and widely usable. Predominantly found in News & Media contexts, it serves to provide temporal context and assign accountability. For alternative phrasing, consider options such as "during his leadership" or "under his command". When using this phrase, clarity is key: ensure the subject is unambiguous, and acknowledge the broader context beyond just the individual's actions. By being aware of these considerations, you can effectively communicate leadership and accountability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during his leadership

Focuses on the period of leadership, implying responsibility.

under his command

Emphasizes authority and control during a specific time.

throughout his tenure

Highlights the entire duration of his position.

when he was at the helm

Uses a metaphor to describe his leadership position.

in his capacity as leader

Formally specifies his role and responsibilities.

during his administration

Specifically refers to a period of governance.

while he held the position

Directly states his occupancy of a role.

during his directorship

Highlights the act of directing.

in his term of office

Formal term indicating the period he was in charge.

as the head of

Focuses on his role at the top of the organization.

FAQs

What are some alternatives to "while he was in charge"?

You can use alternatives like "during his leadership", "under his command", or "throughout his tenure" depending on the context.

Is "while he was in charge" formal or informal?

The phrase "while he was in charge" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, for highly formal settings, alternatives like "during his tenure" or "in his capacity as leader" may be more appropriate.

How do I use "while he was in charge" in a sentence?

Use "while he was in charge" to specify a time period when someone held authority or responsibility. For example, "The company's profits increased significantly while he was in charge."

What's the difference between "while he was in charge" and "when he was in charge"?

Both phrases are similar, but "while he was in charge" implies a duration or period of time, whereas "when he was in charge" can refer to a specific moment or event. Using "while" suggests focusing on the entire period of leadership, while "when" might highlight a particular incident.