while there was

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while there was" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is usually used to describe something that happened repeatedly or over a period of time. For example: "We worked diligently on our project while there was still time before the deadline."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

Well, for a while there was.

The New York Times

For a while, there was silence.

The New Yorker

Then, for a while, there was silence.

The New Yorker

Once in a while there was noise.

The New York Times - Sports

All the while, there was the carousel.

The New York Times

For a while, "there was no other Glenn," Waldoch said.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

And all the while there is this relentlessly beautiful music.

The Guardian - Music

And all the while, there's grease.

The Guardian - Film

But after a while, there is too much of it.

The New York Times

After a while, there is no typical day.

The Guardian - Books

And, for a while, there were no churches.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When employing "while there was" in formal writing, consider more sophisticated synonyms such as "whilst there existed" to add variety and complexity to your language.

Common error

Avoid using "while there was" when simply indicating a sequence of events. If there's no simultaneous action or condition, a simple "after" or "then" might be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while there was" functions as a conjunction, introducing a clause that indicates a condition or circumstance existing simultaneously with another action or state. Ludwig provides examples where it's used to set the scene or provide context.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

38%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

3%

Reference

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while there was" is a grammatically sound and commonly used conjunction to indicate simultaneous conditions or actions. Ludwig's AI confirms its correctness and provides diverse examples across news, scientific, and general contexts. When writing, remember to use it when expressing concurrent events or states, but avoid it for simple sequential actions. Consider varying your language with synonyms like "whilst there existed" for more formal writing. With a solid understanding of its purpose and context, you can effectively use "while there was" to enhance your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst there existed

Formal synonym, replacing 'while' with 'whilst' and 'was' with 'existed' to denote a more archaic feel.

during the period when there was

Expands the phrase to explicitly mention a time period, adding emphasis on duration.

as long as there was

Shifts focus to duration and continuation of a state or condition.

at the time that there was

Highlights a specific point in time when something else was occurring.

simultaneously, there was

Indicates that something happened at the same time, emphasizes concurrence.

in situations where there was

Emphasizes hypothetical or conditional scenarios.

given that there was

Introduces a reason or condition, suggesting causality.

considering there was

Similar to 'given that', but often carries a connotation of acceptance or resignation.

even though there was

Introduces a contrast or concession, highlighting a surprising element.

notwithstanding that there was

A more formal version of the phrase above, adding a sense of overcoming an obstacle.

FAQs

How can I use "while there was" in a sentence?

Use "while there was" to indicate that two events or conditions existed or occurred simultaneously. For example: "While there was no direct evidence, circumstantial clues suggested otherwise."

What can I say instead of "while there was"?

You can use alternatives like "whilst there existed", "during the time that there was", or "at the time that there was" depending on the specific context and formality.

When is it appropriate to use "while there was" in writing?

It's appropriate when you want to show that two things were happening or were true at the same time. It emphasizes the coexistence of these elements in your narrative.

Is there a difference between "while there was" and "although there was"?

Yes, "while there was" indicates simultaneity, whereas "although there was" introduces a contrast or concession. They serve different purposes in structuring your sentences.