while working

USAGE SUMMARY

"while working" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe an activity that is taking place simultaneously with another activity - for example: "I studied for my exam while working full-time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

While working!

The New Yorker

Sitting while working, he believes, is inefficient.

The New York Times

Persson watches Mac's videos while working.

The New Yorker

Standing while working has received attention lately.

The New York Times

The team pasted quickly, joking while working.

The New Yorker

"He died while working.

The New York Times - Travel

I wrote it while working.

The Guardian - Books

In 1959, while working at the R.A.I.

The New Yorker

As such, chatting while working is normal.

The Guardian

She often felt faint while working out.

The Guardian - Sport

Fancy working on a tan while working?

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "while working", ensure clarity by placing it close to the action it modifies to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid separating "while working" too far from the verb it modifies, which can lead to confusion. For instance, instead of "She answered the phone, while working, with a smile", write "While working, she answered the phone with a smile."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "while working" functions as a prepositional phrase acting as an adverbial modifier. It indicates the timing or circumstances under which an action occurs. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Wiki

33%

Science

18%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Unknown

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "while working" is a versatile and grammatically sound prepositional phrase used to indicate simultaneous actions or states. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is considered correct and usable in written English. Predominantly found in news media, wikis, and scientific publications, the phrase serves to provide context and background information, adding depth to the description of an event or activity. While its register is generally neutral, consider opting for more formal alternatives in professional or legal contexts. When writing, ensure the phrase is close to the verb it modifies to prevent potential misinterpretations. The phrase is quite common in the English language.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

during work hours

Specifies that the action occurs within the defined period of work.

on the job

Highlights that the action takes place within the professional environment.

at work

States the action happens in the physical location of work.

whilst on duty

A more formal way of saying "while working", often used in official contexts.

in the course of employment

A legal or formal phrasing indicating actions during the period of work.

amidst work

Focuses on the action occurring in the middle of work activities.

during employment

Similar to "in the course of employment" but less formal.

as one works

Emphasizes that the action is happening concurrently with the work process.

when employed

Indicates that the action occurs during a period of being employed.

during the workday

Specifies the action happens within the typical working hours of a day.

FAQs

How can I use "while working" in a sentence?

Use "while working" to indicate an action or state that occurs concurrently with the act of working. For example, "I listen to music "while working" to stay focused."

What are some alternatives to "while working"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "during work hours", "on the job", or "at work".

Is it grammatically correct to start a sentence with "while working"?

Yes, it is grammatically correct to start a sentence with "while working", as long as the sentence structure remains clear. For example, "While working, I realized I had made a mistake."

What is the difference between "while working" and "during work"?

"While working" emphasizes the simultaneous nature of two actions or states, whereas "during work" simply indicates that something occurred within the period of work. The phrase "during work" is less common.