while in office

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while in office" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate when a specific event happened while someone was in their position of authority. For example: "President Obama signed the Paris Agreement while in office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Instead, "We are adapting our software while in office".

The Economist

I'm glad you didn't die while in office.

The New York Times

He failed to do so while in office.

The Economist

Another mused on her potential "baby hopes" while in office.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

While in office, Mr. Blair was reticent about religion.

The New York Times

He's going to take countless risks while in office.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mr. Cellucci himself underwent heart surgery while in office.

The New York Times

While in office, a president dominates the nation's political discourse.

The Washington Post

It's not that he hasn't done anything while in office.

The Washington Post

While in office, Mr. Giuliani earned $195,000 a year.

The New York Times

None of them even got to Europe while in office.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while in office", ensure the context clearly indicates the office or position being referenced to avoid ambiguity. For example, specify "while in the office of President" instead of just "while in office" if the context doesn't make it obvious.

Common error

Avoid using "while in office" without a clear reference to which office is being discussed. If the context doesn't make it immediately clear, specify the office to prevent confusion. For example, instead of saying "policies enacted while in office", say "policies enacted while in the office of governor".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while in office" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the time frame during which an action occurred or a condition existed. Ludwig's examples demonstrate how it specifies the period when someone holds a particular position.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

18%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while in office" is a grammatically sound and widely used adverbial phrase that provides temporal context, indicating that something occurred during a specific period of holding a position. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage, particularly in news and media. To maximize clarity, it's important to ensure the office being referenced is clear from the context. Alternative phrases, such as "during their tenure" or "during their term", can be used depending on the desired level of formality. Be mindful of potential ambiguity and always strive for clear, specific language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst in office

A more formal, British English variant of "while in office".

in office

Shorter version, focusing on the state of holding office.

during their tenure

Replaces "while in office" with a more formal term for the period someone holds a position.

during their term

Similar to "during their tenure", but slightly less formal.

during their administration

Specifically refers to the period when someone is in a leadership position within a government or organization.

while holding the position

More explicit, emphasizing the act of holding a specific role.

during their incumbency

Formal term referring to the period someone holds an office or position.

during their leadership

Highlights the period of leadership.

during their service

Emphasizes the act of serving in a particular position.

in their capacity as

Highlights the role or function someone has "while in office".

FAQs

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

Use "while in office" to describe actions, events, or conditions that occurred during someone's tenure in a particular position. For example: "The president implemented several key reforms "while in office"".

What are some alternatives to saying "while in office"?

You can use alternatives such as "during their tenure", "during their term", or "in office" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "whilst in office" instead of "while in office"?

Yes, "whilst in office" is a valid alternative, particularly in British English. It carries the same meaning as ""while in office"".

What does "immune from prosecution while in office" mean?

It means that someone holding a particular office cannot be prosecuted for certain crimes or actions "while in office". This immunity typically ends once they leave the office.