Master confusing words with ease
A while vs. Awhile
A while
/ə waɪl/Examples:
It's been a while since we last saw each other.I'd like to sit and chat for a while, if you don't mind.The recipe requires simmering the sauce for a while.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Awhile
/əˈwaɪl/Examples:
She paused awhile to admire the sunset over the hills.Stay awhile and listen to the crackling of the fireplace.He sat awhile, lost in the beauty of the serene night sky.
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
Ways to tell them apart:
- A while is two words and is a noun phrase, which typically follows a preposition, like for or in.
- Awhile is one word and is an adverb, meaning for a period of time.
- Remember, awhile cannot follow a preposition, while a while usually does.
- If you can replace the phrase with for a short time and it makes sense, awhile is likely the right choice.
- Try swapping a while with a long time to check if the sentence remains correct; if it does, a while is needed.
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