while we are

USAGE SUMMARY

"while we are" is correct and usable in written English.
You could use it to indicate that you are in the middle of a task or to indicate a certain time frame. Example: "Let's finish this project while we are still in the office."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And all the while we are bombarded with groaner puns.

The Guardian - Film

For a while we are presented with the fanciful idea that her conviction is correct.

The New York Times

"Culture, which we neglected for a while, we are now picking up again as a people".

The New Yorker

"They are getting richer while we are getting poorer".

The New York Times

Any other tips for while we are there?

The Guardian - Travel

"We are not allowed to talk while we are working.

The Guardian

LIFE is what happens while we are making other plans.

The New York Times

While we are a member there will be no changes.

The Guardian

What makes us feel connected while we are alive?

University of California, Berkeley

While we are doing well, we can do better.

University of California, Berkeley

And while we are there, it's not my chemotherapy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while we are" to indicate concurrent actions or states, ensuring clarity in expressing simultaneous events. For example, "While we are reviewing the report, let's discuss the budget."

Common error

Be cautious when using "while we are" in overly complex sentences, as it can lead to ambiguity. Simplify the sentence structure for better readability. For example, instead of "While we are considering the proposal, which has many intricate details, we should also look at alternative options", break it down into simpler sentences.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while we are" functions as a conjunction to indicate that two actions or states occur simultaneously. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in various contexts to connect events happening at the same time, indicating duration or condition.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

54%

Academia

14%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

8%

Reference

4%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "while we are" is a common and grammatically sound construction used to indicate concurrent actions or states. Ludwig's analysis and numerous examples from authoritative sources like The New York Times and The Guardian confirm its widespread use across various contexts, mainly in news, academic, and formal settings. The analysis indicates the phrase serves to link events occurring simultaneously and creates streamlined sentences. Although commonly used, care should be taken to avoid over-complicating sentences with it. The analysis from Ludwig indicates it is a grammatically correct construction. Given its versatility and broad applicability, mastering the use of "while we are" can enhance clarity and conciseness in writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst we're

Uses the synonym "whilst" for "while" and the contraction "we're" for "we are", maintaining the same meaning.

as we are

Replaces "while" with "as", indicating simultaneity but with a slightly different emphasis.

at the moment we're

Highlights the present timeframe.

during our time

Substitutes "while we are" with a phrase emphasizing a period or duration.

for the time that we're

Specifies a duration with a slightly more emphatic tone.

as long as we're

Adds a conditional aspect, implying that something is true or valid only for the duration of the action.

in our current state

Focuses on the condition of being.

during the period we're

Replaces "while we are" with a more formal and extended phrase, still indicating a concurrent timeframe.

in the process of

Focuses on the act of doing something.

during our being

A more philosophical variation, indicating existence or state of being.

FAQs

How can I use "while we are" in a sentence?

Use "while we are" to show that two things are happening at the same time. For example, "While we are waiting, let's review the agenda".

What's a more formal alternative to "while we are"?

A more formal alternative could be "during the period in which we are". For example, "During the period in which we are conducting the audit, please provide all necessary documentation".

Is there a shorter way to say "while we are"?

Yes, you can often use "as we" or "whilst we're" depending on the context. For example, "As we consider the options, let's not forget the budget implications".

What is the difference between "while we are" and "if we are"?

"While we are" indicates something happening concurrently, whereas "if we are" sets a condition. "While we are in the meeting, let's discuss this" means during the meeting. "If we are in the meeting, I will bring it up" means only if we are in the meeting will I bring it up.