Words / A2

MEENW-yl/ˈmiːnwaɪl/

Meanwhile means at the same time, or until that happens: I’ll cook. Meanwhile, you set the table. Mean while as two words is wrong. At the same time is a plainer cousin. During is for a period (during the film), not a linker between two scenes.

Meaning

At the same time as something else is happening.

Examples

• “I cooked dinner; meanwhile, she set the table.”
• “The adults talked. Meanwhile, the children played outside.”
• “Your card is in the post; meanwhile, use this spare.”

Good to know

meanwhile = at the same time / until then. Not two words. Contrast: during + period.

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