Words / B1

WYL/waɪl/

While can mean during the time that: she cooked while he set the table. When is more for a point in time; as can also mean at the same time. While also contrasts two facts, like whereas: while the plan is cheap, it is slow. A while (noun) is a period of time: wait a while. Meanwhile is an adverb, not a conjunction in the same way. Whilst is a more formal British variant.

Meaning

During the time that; used to contrast two facts.

Examples

• “She cooked while he set the table.”
• “He listened to a podcast while he walked to work.”
• “While I agree with the idea, I dislike the cost.”

Good to know

while + clause (same time). contrast: while / whereas. Noun: a while. Formal UK: whilst.

Near in meaning

whereas

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