grammar · neutral
while + clause
used to link two clauses showing contrast (meaning 'whereas') or duration (meaning 'during'); context determines the meaning.
Examples
“Many students study full-time while others work part-time to support themselves.”
“While technology has improved communication, it has also raised privacy concerns.”
“I listened to music while doing my homework.”
Band 8 sentence
“While economic growth has lifted many out of poverty, the benefits have not been evenly distributed across regions.”
Collocations
- while + subject + verb
- while + V-ing
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'while' always to mean 'during' and never to contrast→use 'while' for contrast or time depending on context
He likes pop, while she prefer classical.→He likes pop, while she prefers classical.
While the concert, I took photos.→During the concert, I took photos.
Say it for a higher band
5but→6whereas→7+while
Synonyms
whereas
meanwhile
Easily confused
whereas
“Whereas urban areas have good transport, rural areas often suffer from poor connectivity.”
during
“During the festival, many people visit the city centre.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Comparatives
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