while i was at it

USAGE SUMMARY

"while I was at it" is correct and usable in written English.
It is used to indicate that you did something that was part of a task or process or that was related to a task or process. Example sentence: I decided to clean the whole house while I was at it.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

15 human-written examples

I'm terribly sorry that I didn't correct for institutionalised sexism while I was at it.

The Guardian - Books

And, while I was at it, to severely limit shrimp, scallops, salmon and other fatty fish to boot.

The New York Times

While I was at it, I thought I would make a vegetarian version and tweak the ingredients slightly.

The New York Times - Food

Here was a chance to gain relatively free access and burn a few calories while I was at it.

The Guardian - Sport

He said, "Can you imagine the Beatles back and playing together?" I imagined that, and while I was at it I imagined a number of other things.

The New Yorker

While I was at it, I got rid of a few things in the governor's office that I didn't believe our citizens should have to pay for.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

43 human-written examples

And Johnny Depp while I'm at it.

Independent

I'll make another admission, while I'm at it.

Independent

While I'm at it, let me address another issue.

The New York Times

And charge you 2p while I'm at it?

The Guardian - Music

I expect I'll learn something about patience and fortitude while I'm at it.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while I was at it" to succinctly convey that you performed an additional, related action alongside your primary task. It adds a touch of informality and implies efficiency.

Common error

Avoid using "while I was at it" when the second action has no logical connection to the first. Ensure both actions are contextually related to maintain clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while I was at it" functions as a conjunction phrase. It connects two related actions, indicating that the second action was performed as a consequence or during the course of the first. As Ludwig AI points out, it suggests an additional action was undertaken because one was already engaged in something related.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while I was at it" is a useful conjunction phrase to indicate that an additional, related action was performed. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability in written English. It is most frequently found in News & Media contexts and carries a neutral to informal tone. While generally acceptable, more formal alternatives might be preferred in certain contexts. Remember to use the phrase when there is a logical connection between the two actions. The frequency is common so you can expect the readers to easily understand its meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in the process

Focuses on the simultaneous nature of the additional action.

at the same time

Highlights the synchronicity of actions.

simultaneously

Emphasizes the parallel execution of tasks.

in addition

Simply adds an extra action without strong connection.

furthermore

Like "in addition", but suggests a logical progression.

on top of that

Suggests an extra element added to an existing situation.

as a bonus

Highlights the additional action as a benefit.

incidentally

Downplays the importance of the additional action.

by the way

Introduces the additional action as a side note.

as long as I was doing that

Alternative is more verbose than the original phrase and also stresses condition.

FAQs

How can I use "while I was at it" in a sentence?

Use "while I was at it" to indicate that you performed an additional action because you were already engaged in a related task. For example, "I went to the grocery store, and "while I was at it", I picked up some milk".

What phrases are similar to "while I was at it"?

Similar phrases include "in the process", "at the same time", or "simultaneously". These alternatives can add variety to your writing.

Is "while I am at it" grammatically correct?

Yes, "while I am at it" is grammatically correct and conveys a similar meaning. However, "while I was at it" is generally used when referring to a past action, whereas "while I am at it" refers to the present or future.

Can "while I was at it" be used in formal writing?

While generally acceptable, "while I was at it" is considered somewhat informal. In formal writing, consider using more precise alternatives like "furthermore" or "in addition" to maintain a professional tone.