while that was happening

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while that was happening" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something else occurred simultaneously with another event or action. Example: "She was cooking dinner while that was happening, unaware of the chaos outside."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

The presiding officer while that was happening: Sen. Cindy Hyde-Sen. Cindy

The Washington Post

While that was happening, I would start on the subsequent requirements.

University of California, Berkeley

But while that was happening I still knew that this was not satisfying enough.

Independent

"The craziest thing was that while that was happening, the attendants just stared.

Independent

And while that was happening, I'd create some other stations that covered other stuff.

The Guardian - Opinion

Facebook Twitter Pinterest While that was happening, Caspar was having a less enjoyable time at Flamenco Hoy - read his review here.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Even while that is happening, scores of local governments in California, Colorado and other states have gone the other way and imposed bans or moratoriums on distribution even though state law allows it.

The New York Times

Don't do anything while that is happening, just let it proceed.

WikiHow

Then, use social media to follow and add to the conversations that are happening while you're there.

Forbes

You can also comment on something that's happening nearby, while you're standing near each other.

WikiHow

6.28pm GMT While all that was happening, Colombia have gone a goal up against Tunisia.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while that was happening" to clearly link two events occurring simultaneously, ensuring clarity in your narrative.

Common error

Avoid repetitive use of "while that was happening" in close proximity. Vary your sentence structure by using alternatives like "simultaneously" or "at the same time" for a more engaging and sophisticated writing style.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while that was happening" functions as a conjunction, linking two clauses to indicate that the events described occurred simultaneously. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable English expression.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

69%

Wiki

9%

Academia

6%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Science

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while that was happening" serves as a common conjunction to indicate simultaneous events, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. Predominantly found in News & Media sources, it maintains a neutral register suitable for various contexts. To avoid redundancy, consider using alternatives such as "simultaneously" or "at the same time". Although grammatically correct, varying your sentence structure will enhance your writing style. It’s important to use "while that was happening" to clearly connect two events occurring simultaneously.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

at the same time

A more common and direct way of expressing simultaneity.

as this was occurring

More formal and emphasizes the process of something happening.

simultaneously

Replaces the entire phrase with a single adverb indicating actions occurring at the same time.

concurrently

A formal synonym for simultaneously, suitable for academic or professional contexts.

while this unfolded

Emphasizes the gradual revealing of events during the specified time.

as that transpired

A more literary way to say something happened, emphasizing the unfolding of events.

during that period

Focuses on the time frame when the event took place.

in parallel

Suggests actions happening alongside each other, often in a technical context.

in the meantime

Indicates what occurs between two points in time or events.

amidst that

Implies that something is happening in the middle of a situation or event.

FAQs

How can I use "while that was happening" in a sentence?

Use "while that was happening" to show that two actions or events occurred at the same time. For example, "The team worked on the presentation, while that was happening, the manager prepared for the meeting."

What are some alternatives to "while that was happening"?

Some alternatives include "simultaneously", "at the same time", or "concurrently". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "while that was happening" formal or informal?

"While that was happening" is generally considered neutral and can be used in both formal and informal writing, but it's not the most sophisticated option. Consider alternatives for more formal contexts.

Can "while that was happening" start a sentence?

Yes, "while that was happening" can start a sentence, but ensure that the sentence structure remains clear. For example, "While that was happening, the other team was preparing their rebuttal."