while

Everyday

1. While means at the same time as something else happens. tree →
2. While can mean but, or although, to show a difference. tree →
3. «A while» is some time, often not long. tree →
4. To while away time is to pass it in a relaxed way. tree →
5. Worth while (written as two words) means worth the time or effort. tree →

In the lessons

joins two facts told side by side, often to compare or add them; in stories, «while» tells that two things happen at once; phrases «a while», «for a while», «in a while», «once in a while», «worth your while»

Examples

• Mary has 12 apples while Tom has 8. tree →
• While she read 20 pages, he read 15. tree →
• How many more does Mary have? tree →
• She waited a while. tree →
• I listened to music while I cleaned my room. tree →
• Don't use your phone while you cross the road. tree →
• See you in a while! tree →
• Once in a while we eat out. tree →
• Some birds fly south, while others stay. tree →
• The rain stopped for a while. tree →
• It is quite worth while trying.’ tree →

Note

A joining word, no operation by itself; it puts two amounts side by side. Trap: «while» is not «more than»; check what the question asks. «A while» (noun) and «awhile» (adverb) are close. Do not mix up «while» and «wile» (a trick).

In Jewish tradition

Means "at the same time as" or "but," as in everyday English. In the primary lessons: joins two facts told side by side, often to compare or add them; in stories, «while» tells that two things happen at once; phrases «a while», «for a while», «in a while», «once in a while», «worth your while»

Examples

• While he was yet speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep; for she tended them. (Torah GEN.29.9, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he said unto Balak: 'Stand here by thy burnt-offering, while I go toward a meeting yonder.' (Torah NUM.23.15, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also, even his enemies, shall be a possession; while Israel doeth valiantly. (Torah NUM.24.18, JPS 1917) tree →
• While the king sat at his table, my spikenard sent forth its fragrance. (Writings SNG.1.12, JPS 1917) tree →
• And, lo, while she yet talked with the king, Nathan the prophet came in. (Prophets 1KI.1.22, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Ehud escaped while they lingered, having passed beyond the quarries, and escaped unto Seirah. (Prophets JDG.3.26, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

A joining word, no operation by itself; it puts two amounts side by side. Trap: «while» is not «more than»; check what the question asks. «A while» (noun) and «awhile» (adverb) are close. Do not mix up «while» and «wile» (a trick).