Learning English

Learn some common uses of the word 'while'.

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• Four ways to use 'contact'
• Four meanings of 'essential'
• Four ways to use 'issue'

While

As a conjunction, while can mean:

1. ‘at the same time as’

• While we were sleeping, it snowed!
• It snowed while we were sleeping!

2. ‘but’

• One of the twins is shy, while the other is outgoing.
• The summers are warm, while the winters are very cold.

3. ‘although’. In formal contexts, you can also use whilst.

• While I know that sugar is bad for me, I can never say no to dessert!
• Whilst I agree with your point, I think there are other factors we need to consider.

As a noun, while can mean:

1. 'a length of time’

• Mum, I'm going out to play for a while!
• I haven't heard from Frank in a long while. Have you?

2. and in the expression 'worth your while', it means 'worth the time and effort used’

• It's a difficult course but it will bring you many opportunities. It's definitely worth your while!
• Even though we only had a short while together, we hope this lesson was worth your while.

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