while they are gone

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while they are gone" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a period of time during which someone is absent. Example: "I will take care of the houseplants while they are gone on vacation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr. Kelly points out that a new service allows people to drive their car to the airport and then rent it out while they are gone.

The New York Times

Like any Army troops beginning a deployment, the members of the 49th left with the usual tangle of worries about what will happen while they are gone.

The New York Times

By law, employers cannot dismiss those called to active duty, though they do not have to pay them while they are gone, but many reservists face subtle and not-so-subtle retribution.

The New York Times

While federal law requires companies to hire these workers back when they return, it is up to each company to determine how to pay them while they are gone.

The New York Times

In less extreme cases, members of the Guard and reservists miss promotions or choice assignments and face the irritation of supervisors and co-workers who must pick up the slack while they are gone.

The New York Times

Another reason women are finding it easier to re-enter the work force is that they are becoming more adept at keeping their foot in the door while they are gone.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

Especially after they have been with you for a while, they are going to be even needier.

The Washington Post

And then after a while they're gone, too.

The New York Times

Most survivors echo your sentiment that while they are going through treatment, they are not concerned about having sex.

The New York Times

Moreover, the vast majority of Democrats don't embrace "socialism". If they cannot figure out how to defend mainstream positions while they are going to attain progressive ends, they probably aren't general-election presidential material.

The Washington Post

I have never seen such enthusiasm from retail employees, especially while they are going above and beyond in how they help their customers.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "while they are gone", ensure the context clearly indicates who "they" refers to. Avoid ambiguity by specifying the individuals or group you are referencing.

Common error

Be precise about the timeframe. Avoid vague statements that don't specify how long "they" will be gone. For example, instead of saying "Things will change while they are gone", specify "Things will change significantly while they are gone for the next year".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while they are gone" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to indicate the timeframe during which an action or state occurs. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is correct to use it in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Wiki

33%

Academia

13%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

7%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while they are gone" is a common and grammatically sound adverbial phrase used to indicate the duration of someone's absence. Ludwig confirms its correctness and usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, as well as in wiki and informal writing. When using the phrase, ensure the referent of "they" is clear and the timeframe is well-defined. For more formal contexts, consider alternatives like "during their absence". Understanding these nuances will help ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while they are away

This uses a synonym for "gone", maintaining a similar structure.

during their absence

This is a more formal alternative, replacing the clause with a noun phrase.

during their time away

A slightly more elegant and concise way to express absence.

in their absence

This focuses on the state of affairs during the time they are not present.

whilst they're absent

This uses a more formal synonym for "while".

during the period they're away

This is a more descriptive phrase specifying a timeframe of absence.

while they're out of town

This adds a geographical context to the absence.

for the duration of their trip

This specifies the reason for the absence, adding context.

while they are on leave

This is best suited for situations where someone is on official leave, such as from work or the military.

in the time they are not here

A more literal, less idiomatic alternative.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "while they are gone" to sound more formal?

For a more formal tone, consider using alternatives like "during their absence" or "in their absence". These phrases replace the clause with noun phrases, lending a more professional feel.

Is it always necessary to specify who "they" refers to in "while they are gone"?

While not always mandatory, specifying who "they" refers to enhances clarity and avoids ambiguity, especially in contexts where multiple groups or individuals are being discussed. It's best practice to provide context, such as "while the directors are gone".

What's a simple synonym for "while they are gone"?

A simple and direct synonym is "while they are away". It maintains a similar structure but substitutes "gone" with a synonym.

How does "while they are gone" differ from "while they were gone"?

"While they are gone" indicates a current or future absence, whereas "while they were gone" refers to an absence that occurred in the past. The verb tense shifts the timeframe of the absence.