While describes a length of time. If you were describing a first date, you might say, "We sat there for a while in an incredibly awkward silence." Use the word while to talk about an unspecific period of time, like when you ask your friend if you can borrow his notebook for a while.
What's the difference between the subordinate conjunctions when and while? In some sentences, you can use either without a great change in meaning. Generally, if you want to focus on an action that has a duration being in progress, use a while + a progressive tense.
The meaning of WHILE is a period of time especially when short and marked by the occurrence of an action or a condition : time. How to use while in a sentence.
WHILE definition: 1. during the time that, or at the same time as: 2. despite the fact that; although: 3. compared…. Learn more.
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly: while the hours away. [Middle English, from Old English hwīl; see k w eiə- in Indo-European roots.]
'While' is a common word among native English speakers. It is used to function as a conjunction, a noun, and a verb. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.
Definition of while conjunction in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
To reinforce your understanding of while in English and its formula and usage, as well as know how to differentiate between when and while, please complete the while exercises below with detailed answers.