A conjunction is a word that connects two or more clauses or sentences into a single one. Here, let us explore important facts about the word ‘while’ as a conjunction.
The word ‘while’ can act as a noun, adverb, conjunction, preposition, or verb based on where and how it is used. When two or more words, clauses, phrases, or sentences need to be joined and connected together, the part of speech called ‘conjunctions’ is used.
We shall now see when and how the word ‘while’ is used as a conjunction with the help of various interesting facts and examples.
Is “while” a conjunction
We will be finding out here if the word ‘while’ can be a conjunction.
The word ‘while’ is a conjunction as it is used to join words, phrases, clauses, or sentences.
Example: Ruhi came home while you were sleeping.
In the above sentence, ‘while’ is a conjunction as it joins two sentences, “Ruhi came home” and “you were sleeping” into one single sentence.
When is “while” a conjunction?
We already know that ‘while’ can be a conjunction, and now we will get to know when the word ‘while’ performs the role of a conjunction.
The table below depicts when (instances when) ‘while’ is a conjunction.
| Serial Number | When Is ‘While’ A Conjunction | Examples |
| 1 | When two actions or activities are happening simultaneously at the same time. | You can play with your friends while I have my meeting. |
| 2 | When comparing and contrasting two or more things. | While I like to travel a lot, my sister likes to stay at home. |
| 3 | When you need to use the words “although” and “whereas.” | a. While (although) Suresh knows how to swim, he is not an expert in swimming. b. The problem might be easy for you to handle, while (whereas) it is difficult for me. |
How is “while” a conjunction
In order to be sure that ‘while’ is a conjunction, we need to first know how ‘while’ is a conjunction. We shall discuss that here.
Any word that merely connects words, phrases, sentences or clauses and does no other job than connecting or joining are called conjunctions. In that way, the word ‘while’ is a conjunction in places where it is used just for the purpose of joining and connecting sentences or words.
Example: My mother found the old photos while she was cleaning the house.
In the above sentence, the word ‘while’ is a conjunction as it joins two sentences: “my mother found the old photos” and “she was cleaning the house” into one sentence. Here, the conjunction ‘while’ shows that both the activities of finding the photos and cleaning the house were happening at the same time.
Is “while” always a conjunction
While we already know that the word ‘while’ is a conjunction, let us here discuss and find out whether ‘while’ is always a conjunction.
The word ‘while’ is not only a conjunction but can also functions as a few other parts of speech as well, depending on how, why, and where it is used.
Example: Ramya spoke with me for a while over the phone.
In the above sentence, the word ‘while’ is not a conjunction as it does not connect or join words or sentences. Here, ‘while’ is functioning as a noun as it is referring to some amount of time for which Ramya spoke over the phone.
When is “while” not considered as conjunction
Here we will discuss when the word ‘while’ is not functioning as a conjunction.
The word ‘while’ is not considered as a conjunction when it is not connecting or joining words, phrases, clauses, or sentences, but instead naming a duration of time, an action word, or modifying the time of an action.
Example: Take rest for a while and then continue with your work.
In the above sentence, the word ‘while’ is not a conjunction but a noun, as it performs the role of a noun by naming the duration or amount of time rest has to be taken before continuing the work.
Example: The second coat must be painted while the first coat is not completely dried.
In the above sentence, the word ‘while’ is not a conjunction but an adverb, as it performs the role of modifying the verb “painted” by telling us when the second coat must be painted.
Example: You are requested not to while away your time as your tests are nearing.
Here, the word ‘while’ is used as an action word (verb) as ‘while’ here means spending time in a leisurely way and not as a conjunction as it does not connect any words or sentences.
What kind of conjunction is the word “while”
There are two types of conjunctions: the coordinating conjunction and the subordinating conjunction. We will find out what kind of conjunction the word ‘while’ is.
The word ‘while’ belongs to the subordinating conjunction category.
Why is “while” a subordinating conjunction
Now that we already know ‘while’ is a subordinating conjunction, here we shall discuss the reason why it belongs to the subordinating conjunction category.
A conjunction that helps to link or join a dependent clause (subordinating clause) with that of an independent clause (main clause) is known as a subordinating conjunction. The word ‘while’ is a subordinating conjunction as it introduces or links the subordinating clause with the main clause.
Example: My mother cooked dinner while we went for shopping.
Main clause / Independent clause – My mother cooked dinner
Subordinating clause / Dependent clause – we went for shopping
Subordinating conjunction – While
Examples of “while” as conjunctions
Let us go through the following example sentences where the word ‘while’ is used as a conjunction.
| Serial Number | Examples | Explanations |
| 1 | Riya fell down while riding the bicycle. | ‘While’ is a conjunction here as it is used to connect two clauses, ‘’Riya fell down’’ and “riding the bicycle”. The conjunction ‘while’ is used here as both the actions of falling down and riding the bicycle are happening simultaneously. |
| 2 | While the meeting was going on, there was a power cut. | ‘While’ is a conjunction here as it is used to connect two clauses, “there was a power cut” and “the meeting was going on”. The conjunction ‘while’ is used here as both the actions of the meeting taking place and power cut happening are at the same time. |
| 3 | While I like to play basketball, Ritesh likes to play throw ball. | In this sentence, ‘while’ is the conjunction that joins the clauses “I want to play basketball” and “Ritesh wants to play throw ball” by comparing the likes of Ritesh and I. |
| 4 | While it is a good plan, it also has a few shortcomings. | The conjunction ‘while’ connects the clauses ‘’it is a good plan’’ and “it also has a few shortcomings”. The conjunction ‘while’ here is a replacement for the words ‘although’ or ‘in spite of the fact’. |
| 5 | Some students want to visit the museum, while others want to visit the library. | In this sentence, ‘while’ is the conjunction that joins the clauses “some students want to visit the museum” and ‘’others want to visit the library” by comparing the wants of the students. |
| 6 | The subject might be easy for you to learn, while it is quite hard for me. | The conjunction ‘while’ connects the clauses ‘the subject might be easy for you to learn’ and ‘it is quite hard for me’. The conjunction ‘while’ here is a replacement for the word ‘whereas’. |
Conclusion
Thus, from this article, we got it clear that the word ‘while’ is not only a conjunction, but we also understood when, how, and why ‘while’ takes up the role of a conjunction.
Hi… I am Sowndharya Jagadeeswaran, a university rank holder in M.A. English Literature. I have also done my master’s in Business Administration. Inquisitive as I am, my interest in action-oriented research helped me publish research papers in reputed journals. Now, as a career, I am an instructor where I teach young and adorable students the intricate technicalities of Public Speaking and Creative Writing. I also enjoy writing articles on topics I specialize and research in.
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