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Is it Awhile or A While? Which One to Use in a Sentence?

Is it Awhile or A While? Which One to Use in a Sentence?

Like words are one of the most confusing things in the English language. You will find them having similar spelling. In turn, their meanings and usage can sometimes be confusing. One of such situations leads you to ask, is it “awhile” or “a while?” Which one to use in a sentence?

“Awhile” is an adverb that translates to “for a while.” In turn, you use it in sentences when trying to modify a verb or instead of “for a while.” “A while” comprises the article “a” and the noun “while,” which connotes a period. In turn, you use following a preposition or with the words back or ago.

Still, we bet you are wondering how this plays out in actual sentences. Well, who would not be? We have got you covered. In this post, we will dive into the details and provide illustrative examples to help you better understand the rules.

girl sits and waits awhile

When to Use the Word “Awhile” in a Sentence?

Just like we stated above, the word “awhile” is an adverb. It describes a short duration or period. Precisely, it translates to “for a period of time.”

Now, as you know, under the general rules of the English language, an adverb functions to modify a verb or an adjective. As such, you use this variety in a sentence where it functions to modify a verb.

We do not need to explain the function of a verb. However, it is a word that depicts an action. In turn, the word “awhile” is best maximized when it will modify an action performing word.

For instance, in the following sentences:

  1. I have been expecting the president since noon, it is already evening, but I will stay awhile to see him.

(Here, the adverb “awhile” functions to modify the verb stay. It shows how long the speaker intends to stay just to see the president.)

  1. Sometimes having to dance awhile is not always bad news; I got the chance to unwind and have some fun last night.

(Again, the adverb “awhile” modifies the verb dance. It shows that the speaker danced for a time.)

  1. There are three chairs placed in front of my store for customers to relax awhile, and it has been quite effective as it has seen me record more satisfaction among customers.

(Here, the adverb modifies the verb relax; customers can relax for some time.)

  1. Poverty and hunger contributes significantly to keep people disoriented awhile longer, leading them to engage in a variety of unacceptable activities.

(Here, the adverb modifies the verb keep; these people are kept disoriented for a period of time.)

When to Use the Phrase “A While” in a Sentence?

When it comes to this variety, it involves combining the article “a” and the noun “while.” The noun itself conveys the meaning of a period. That is, duration or time. For instance, where you require someone to stay somewhere for a while. Precisely, it translates to “a period of time.”

When using “awhile” it is assumed to be a short amount of time, however when using “a while” it implies a much longer wait period. Still, it would be best if you did not confuse it with “awhile” above. In the case of “a while,” it does not specify or stipulates a time limit.

The word can also describe the effort and time that an individual puts into an activity. For instance, when you tell someone that their action will be “worth their while.”

Typically, you are to use it in a sentence following a preposition. In such situations, it functions to provide more clarity to the preposition. Usually, it follows prepositions such as in or for.

See the examples below for more clarification:

  1. I intend to meet the Queen of England today. Definitely, I can wait back for a while ’till she gets here.

(Here, the combination of “a” and “while” clarifies that the speaker intends to wait back to see the Queen of England.)

  1. I have quite a challenging examination tomorrow; so, I would be unable to make the party as I will stay back and study for a while.

(Here, the variety “a while’ clarifies the study goal of the speaker.)

  1. I am having some connectivity issues that will keep me offline and AWOL for a while.

(Once again, the words “a while” provides some insight into the duration of unavailability of the speaker.)

  1. He claimed that he was not so busy at the office so that he would be at the party in a while.

(Here, the preposition that the word “a while” follows is “in.” It provides some clarification as to when the guest will arrive at the party.)

Beyond this, you can also use the words “a while” in a sentence with any of the words “back” or “ago.” It provides some form of context to the use of the words back or ago,

See the examples below for more clarification:

  1. At the dinner I attended yesterday, the guest speaker turned out to be a mentee I shared some life-changing information with a while ago.
  2. Living deep inside the vast continental green a while back, I found myself falling with nature and its ambience once again.
  3. Scott has been writing on his anonymous blog for a while now and she has grown quite a following.

Also, you must keep in mind that you will have more reasons to use “a while” than you will use “awhile.” This is because the former is more versatile than the latter.

You should not be surprised. For instance, you will find yourself using “a while” to describe that something has not occurred in a long period. You hear the burst of “it has been a while since we saw you.”

Similarly, when something sometimes takes too long to occur, this phrase becomes useful again. You find yourself saying, “the event takes quite a while.” So, keep in mind that you are more likely to use this variety than the first one.

Regardless, that does not allow your arbitrary use of this variety. Keep in mind that you use it with a preposition.

while word spelled with bronze blocks

Understanding the Difference Between “Awhile” and “A While”

If you were to go on and pronounce both words, you would definitely get the same result. Well, this is one of the reasons why the confusion between their usage is even more considerable. Regardless, the reality is that they are, in fact, distinct and have different usage.

We have identified the right times to use both words within a sentence. However, these rules are only relevant if you truly understand the difference between both words. So, what are these differences?

Beyond the spelling of both words, they are various other issues that differentiate them.

One significant differentiating factor is their nature. As we have established above, awhile is an adverb while a while is a noun phrase. In turn, their application or use remains limited to this use.

For instance, all you need to remember is that “awhile” is an adverb that modifies a verb or an adjective. Once you do, you can ensure that its application within a sentence fits within this. On the other hand, all you need to recognize is that “a while” is a noun phrase. In turn, you must limit its use to that of a noun phrase within a sentence.

So, all you need to do is test its use within a sentence with the replacement method. First, try replacing the word with a noun phrase, like “a year” or “an hour.” If it fits in successfully, then “awhile” should not be there. Instead, it should be double word variety.

Now, if it does not fit in, try replacing the word with another adverb. If it fits in, then you are good to go. You are using the word “awhile” properly. See the example below for a better understanding.

  • Go play for awhile.

In this instance, we will replace it with the noun phrase “an hour.” As you will see, “Go play for an hour” is just fine. In turn, it becomes evident that your use of the word awhile is wrong.

  • Go play awhile

Now, for the second stage of the test, we will replace it with the adverb “quietly.” As you will see, “Go play quietly” makes perfect sense. So, you can assume that the usage is right.

So, you see that the right usage reveals itself to you in no time with this test.

Final Thoughts

clock showing eleven forty one

You must keep in mind that the English language is not always straightforward, more so the correct usage. You will get confused now and then about what is the right option to do. Still, you can now make things easier for yourself.

In this article, we have addressed one common cause of confusion to make things easier. We have explained the right manner to use the words awhile and a while in a sentence. We have also shown you our replacement trick. This way, you can confirm that you are using either of the words right.

So, what are you waiting for? Get right to it, make things easier for yourself, and stay grammatically correct.