AWHILE AND WHILE.
The difference between the words “awhile” and “while” may not be apparent to a not so keen reader or writer. This is unless the reader or writer understands and commands basic English language, its grammar and the application of the words.
“While” is a
noun or a clause (similar to a noun). A noun is basically used as a name and “while” is an adverb.
Both of these words refer to time; the difference is in at what juncture each of them is applied.
“Awhile” refers to a time frame or that time spent either doing something or
doing nothing but anticipating an action. For example, John rested for “awhile”(for some time) before proceeding with his journey. In this example, John spent some time resting (perhaps to regain his strength) before proceeding with his journey.
In general, “awhile” is basically a short
period of time spent.
“While” refers to a period or space of time, during a time or at the same time.
“While” can refer to two “sides” of the same time. For instance, when a certain action was underway, another action, same or different from the first, was also taking place
either at the same place or at a different location. For example, while US president Barrack Obama is busy strategizing on how to defeat the Taliban and Al Qaeda in Afghanistan and Pakistan, The Al Qaeda is busy recruiting new fighters in Yemen and Somalia. In this example, it occurs that at the
same time or period, two actions, somehow related, are taking place at different locations.
“While” can also refer to a time specific to an action without any relation to another person/group or another action. The students “whiled” around the school compound awaiting their next
examination paper. In this context, “while” is used to imply that the students used or passed their free time within the school compound awaiting their next examination paper. The students could have used or passed their free time either chatting, having snacks or just relaxing, especially after
writing the first examination paper.
“While” can also refer to that time spent doing something secondary, waiting to start doing the main (primary) duty. For example, John decided to clean the car while waiting for his father to arrive. In this example, cleaning of the car was not the main
duty of the moment (though a clean car is a powerful statement), the main duty was for John’s father to arrive and they set off for a mission (may be a father and son chat while driving around). Therefore, john used the waiting time to clean the car.
In general, “awhile” refers to a
time frame or that time spent either doing something or doing nothing but anticipating an action and “while” refers to a period or space of time, during a time or at the same time.
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