Awhile vs A While | Examples, Definitions & Difference
“Awhile” and “a while” are homonyms (words that are pronounced the same), but they have slightly different meanings and different grammatical roles.
- Awhile (without a space) is an adverb that means “for a period of time.”
- A while (with a space) is a noun phrase that means “a period of time.”
Although “awhile” and “a while” are often used interchangeably in informal writing, most style guides distinguish between them.
Examples: Awhile in a sentence | Examples: A while in a sentence |
---|---|
Let’s sit and rest awhile before continuing our hike. | It’s been a while since I last spoke to Kevin. |
She decided to stay in bed and read awhile. | I’m looking for a job because I’ll graduate in a while. |
He practiced awhile before the game. | The project will take a while to complete due to its complexity. |
Awhile as an adverb
Awhile is used as an adverb to mean “for a short time” of “for a period of time.” It modifies the verb that precedes it. Since it already has “for” included in the meaning, you don’t write “for awhile.”
If you’re unsure if you’re using awhile correctly, you can replace it with the word “temporarily” or the phrase “for a while.” If it still makes sense, awhile is correct.
I saw Menno awhile before he had to take the bus.
Derek watched TV awhile and then went to school.
A while as a noun phrase
A while is used as a noun phrase to mean “a period of time.” It consists of the indefinite article “a” and the noun “while.” It is often preceded by a preposition (like “for”).
If you don’t know whether you’re using a while correctly, you can replace it with a specific measure of time (e.g., “an hour”). If the sentence still makes sense, a while is correct.
Rodger spent a while thinking about an excuse to get out of the birthday party.
Every once in a while, I order takeout.
A while can also be modified by an adjective to qualify the period of time.
I hope you’ll stay around for a while longer!
I hadn’t seen my husband in a long while.
Is it awhile back or a while back?
A while back is a synonym for a while ago. It’s used to describe an unspecified time period in the past. It’s incorrect to use the adverb awhile in this case, because that word can only modify verbs.
I met up with Deidre a while back, but I haven’t seen her since then.
A while back, I went to the beach. I would love to go again.
Is it awhile ago or a while ago?
A while ago is a synonym for a while back. It’s also used to describe an unspecified time period in the past. It’s incorrect to use the adverb awhile in this case, because it can only modify verbs.
When did you last see Peter? I think it was a while ago.
I don’t understand you. A while ago, you didn’t even like him, and now you’re dating!
Awhile vs a while quiz
Test your understanding of the difference between “awhile” and “a while” by filling in the worksheet below.
Frequently asked question about awhile vs a while
- Is it it’s been awhile or a while?
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Awhile and a while are often confused, but they don’t mean the same thing.
It’s been a while is the correct expression. The noun phrase a while means “a period of time.”
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- Is it once in a while or once in awhile?
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Awhile and a while are often confused, but they don’t mean the same thing.
Once in a while is the correct expression. The noun phrase a while means “a period of time.”
Use the QuillBot Grammar Checker to automatically fix your mistakes for free.
- Is it for awhile or a while?
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Awhile and a while are often confused, but they don’t mean the same thing.
For a while is the correct phrase.
- The adverb awhile already carries the meaning “for,” so for awhile is never correct.
- The noun phrase a while means “a period of time,” so “for a while” means “for a period of time.”
Awhile and for a while are synonyms.
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