while we are walking

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "while we are walking" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe an action or event that occurs simultaneously with the act of walking. Example: "We can discuss our plans while we are walking to the park."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

While we are walking to the Comic-Con press room, he receives a text from his old assistant, who now works at Disney, who has left him a gift of a $1,000 rare comic in the Comic-Con HQ.

The Guardian

He seems immune, though, to rancour or recrimination, and, while we are walking through the university grounds, past a tree he had planted in his mother's memory - 'It's a maple, but my mother was an oak.

The Guardian - Books

We are always looking for different techniques for meditating, but realistically, if we stay in awareness and in a consciousness of being a peaceful soul while we are walking and moving around, then life starts to unfold a lot smoother.

HuffPost

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

We lean over backwards while we're walking upright".

The New York Times - Arts

One day, while we were walking along the street, I got separated from my family.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

"While we were walking up, everyone seemed to be going down," she said.

The New York Times

'Yes?' While we were walking, he made me an unexpected offer.

The Guardian - Books

A young woman hauling a camera on a tripod taller than she was accosted us while we were walking toward the rally.

The New Yorker

"We even bought three to take home, but then ate them while we were walking down the street," he said between bites of a French cruller.

The New York Times

While we're walking out of the park, he sees a black and white cat crouching under a minivan and takes a snap.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

One day while we were walking past a fruit and vegetable stand, a woman did not see us coming, although I did see her.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "while we are walking" to clearly indicate simultaneous actions or states, enhancing clarity in descriptive narratives or instructions.

Common error

Avoid using phrases that repeat the idea of movement already present in "walking". For example, instead of saying "while we are walking along the path", simply state "while we are walking on the path".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while we are walking" functions as an adverbial clause of time, indicating when another action occurs. As seen in the Ludwig examples, it provides a temporal context for simultaneous events. It introduces a scenario during which something else happens.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

85%

Science

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Academia

2%

Formal & Business

2%

Encyclopedias

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "while we are walking" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used as an adverbial clause of time. According to Ludwig, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. It serves to set a temporal context, indicating that an action occurs simultaneously with the act of walking. It fits seamlessly into various writing styles, especially in neutral contexts like news and media as evident from the provided examples from authoritative sources.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

whilst we are walking

Replaces "while" with its more formal synonym "whilst".

while taking a walk

Adds the explicit action of "taking a walk".

as we stroll

Uses a different verb to describe the act of walking, implying a leisurely pace.

in the course of our walk

Emphasizes the duration and context of the walk.

during our walk

Rephrases the sentence to focus on the timeframe of the walk.

during our ramble

Replaces "walk" with "ramble", indicating a more casual and aimless walk.

as we are hiking

Substitutes "walking" with "hiking", suggesting a more vigorous activity.

as we traverse

Implies crossing a specific area while walking.

on our way

Focuses on the journey aspect of the walk.

as we proceed on foot

Adds a formal tone, indicating movement on foot.

FAQs

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

The phrase "while we are walking" is used to describe an action happening during a walk. For example, "We discussed the project "while we are walking" to the office."

What are some alternatives to "while we are walking"?

You can use alternatives such as "as we walk", "during our walk", or "while taking a walk" to convey similar meanings with slightly different emphasis.

Is "while we walk" grammatically different from "while we are walking"?

Yes, "while we walk" uses the simple present tense, implying a habitual or general action. "While we are walking" uses the present continuous tense, indicating an action in progress at a specific time. Choose the tense that best fits the context you intend to describe.

Can "while we are walking" be used in formal writing?

Yes, "while we are walking" is suitable for both formal and informal writing. It is a straightforward and grammatically correct way to describe simultaneous events.