while1 conjunctionwhile2 nounwhile3 verb
whilewhile1 /waɪl/ ●●● S1 W1 conjunction 
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- While I like Carter personally, I don't think what he's doing is right.
- While Sandy was filling out the forms, I called Jimmy from the airport.
- While she is a likable girl, she can be extremely difficult to work with.
- While she was out of the room, he took a quick look at the papers on her desk.
- While six percent of ordinary homes were damaged in the earthquake, only three percent of mobile homes were damaged.
- While teaching standards could be raised, more funding would also help.
- I'll just make a phone call while you finish the dishes.
- I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train.
- I read the book while I was on the plane.
- My car was stolen while I was on holiday.
- Someone broke into her house while she was on vacation.
- They were killed while attempting to reach the summit.
THESAURUS
during the time that you are doing something, or something is happening: · I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train.· While we were on holiday, my bag was stolen.
at the same time as something else is happening: · They’re still working on our bedroom. Meanwhile, we’re sleeping downstairs.· The Russians, meanwhile, declared war on August 8.
during the period of time between now and a future event, or between two events in the past: · More aid is expected soon, but in the meantime these people are going hungry.· My new job hadn’t started, so in the meantime I tried to write a book.
British English while. Whilst sounds a little more formal than while: · One American plane was forced to land whilst flying over North Korea.· Whilst all this was going on, the performers were getting ready for the show.
Longman Language Activatorwhen it is surprising that two different things are both true · I really need some time alone, although I know I'll miss the kids while I'm gone.· He won several medals, though he was only 15 years old.· You've been here before, though you might not remember because you were pretty little.· Although Milan is an industrial city, it still has enormous charm.even though (=use this when you want to emphasize what you are saying) · We bought tickets to go to France, even though this isn't really the best time of year to go.though old/tired/brief etc · The marriage, though brief, was a happy one.
also whilst British formal use this to introduce a statement that makes your main statement seem surprising or says something different from it: · While I like Carter personally, I don't think what he's doing is right.· Whilst a Rolls Royce is a very nice car, it is extremely expensive to maintain.· While six percent of ordinary homes were damaged in the earthquake, only three percent of mobile homes were damaged.
use this when you are telling someone that although what they have said may be true, something else that seems very different is a fact: · He may be intelligent but he has no common sense.· Bechler may be behind some of the problems, but he is not the only person responsible.
busy use this to join two words or phrases when the second one has the opposite meaning to the first one, or when the second one is surprising after the first one, or when one is negative and one is positive: · I called but there was no one there.· He's short and not really handsome, but women still find him attractive.· They struggled in the first half, but still won 98-82.· She tried to read the message, but couldn't.· Tom's grandfather is over 80, but he still plays golf.· "Gone with the Wind' was a great movie, but it was a little long.· In the US it is normal for the police to carry guns, but not in Britain.
formal use this when saying something that is surprising after what you have just said, or that is very different from it: · It was a terrible accident. Nevertheless, air travel is still the safest form of transport.· December saw a more than average rainfall; however, the possibility of a drought is still strong.· War is never welcome, nonetheless, I believe that we must defend our country.but nevertheless/nonetheless: · The leaves aren't particularly dangerous, but nevertheless they are not something you'd want your child or pet to eat.
use this at the beginning of a sentence when you have just mentioned one side of an argument or situation and you are going to mention the opposite side: · Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it's not safe.· The hamburger was tough and overcooked. The fries, on the other hand, were terrific, and well worth the money.but on the other hand: · You want to help your kids as much as you can, but on the other hand, you've got to be careful to help them learn on their own.
also mind you British spoken use this when you have just said one thing and you now want to say something very different about it, for example when you give an advantage and then a disadvantage: · Teaching is an interesting job. Then again, it can be very stressful too.· This trip is going to be very expensive. Still, we don't go away very often.· I'd love to travel around the world. Mind you, I wouldn't want to go on my own.· My parents are happy to lend me the money. All the same, I do feel guilty about it.
formal use this to introduce a fact that seems surprising after what you have just said: · The sun was shining, yet it was quite cold.· Last summer there was a drought, yet some people were still watering their lawns every day.
written use this to say that although something is true of one person, thing, or situation, it is not true of another: · Some house plants thrive if placed near a window with plenty of sunlight while others prefer to be in a more shaded spot.· American cars are generally too large for the Japanese market, whereas Japanese cars are popular in the US.
use this to introduce a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said less strong or definite: · Dan's been very ill, although he's better now.· I don't really like classical music, though I did enjoy that Pavarotti concert.· They're a very nice couple, although I very seldom see them these days.
use this at the end of a sentence to add a fact or opinion that makes what you have just said seem less important , or to add a different fact or opinion: · I think she's Swiss. I'm not sure, though.· George did say one nice thing, though.
use this to say that something is true in spite of the fact that you have just mentioned: · Try to run on a soft surface, such as grass. Even so, you may start having knee problems.but even so: · She had only seen Matthew Godden once before, but even so she recognized him instantly.· The fines for speeding are large, but even so, they are not always a deterrent.
spoken use this for introducing the reason why something is not possible: · I'd like to come and live here, only it's too expensive.· I would have asked them to stay with us, except we don't have enough room.
happening during the time that something else happens during the same period of time that something is happening: · I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train.· I'll just make a phone call while you finish the dishes.
while something else is happening: · They're still working on our bedroom. Meanwhile, we're sleeping out back in tents.· People keep complaining about the service at hospitals, and meanwhile more and more nurses are losing their jobs.
during the period of time between now and a future event or between two events in the past: · We'll meet again on April 21st, and in the meantime I'll collect some more information for you.· I came back to work after just a month, but in the meantime, all my things had been moved to a smaller office.
while something else is happening also whilst British during the same period of time that something is happening: · I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train.· Did you get a lot of work done whilst the kids were out?· I'll just make a phone call while you finish the dishes.· He was afraid he'd have another fit whilst he was driving.
while something else is happening: · Leave the vegetables to simmer, and meanwhile bring a large pot of water to a boil.· Three helicopters scanned the area; the soldiers meanwhile were looking into back gardens, dustbins, and under hedgerows.
if something happens as something else is happening, it happens at the same time: · As we were leaving, Carole and her friends arrived.· There was a shocked silence as he spoke.· The sensor uses an infrared beam to "read" a vehicle's exhaust emissions as it drives past.just as (=at exactly the same time as): · He ran into the road just as a car was coming.· The phone rang just as he stepped out of the shower.as soon as: · As soon as I pulled in, the engine went dead.· I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
when one thing happens during the time that something else is happening · I hurt my shoulder when I was playing football.· All this happened when we were living abroad.· When she was at college she wrote for a student newspaper.· Why were you downstairs when everyone else was in bed?
also whilst British formal during the time that something is happening - use this to emphasize that something is continuing: · My car was stolen while I was on holiday.· While she was out of the room, he took a quick look at the papers on her desk.· While Sandy was filling out the forms, I called Jimmy from the airport.· Patients often comment upon lack of sleep whilst in hospital.· They keep the animals under sedation whilst they're being transported.while/whilst doing something: · They were killed while attempting to reach the summit.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.
Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. (=see you soon)
For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► while I’m/you’re etc at it
1during the time that something is happening: - Er, he said, while we 're about it, you couldn't lend me your bass as well, could you?
- Once, despite the age requirement, my sister charms her way on to this ride while my back is turned.
- Let's get out while the going's good.
- The tourists won't be here forever, so we'd better make hay while the sun shines.
- I only see her every once in a while at school.
- All of these Helen used, displayed, wore, not once in a while, but every day, blushing.
- But look at them once in a while.
- He calls me once in a while or I call him.
- He just comes round once in a while and they go out.
- I do need to see every once in a while.
- I think you should change your shampoo and conditioner once in a while to avoid product build-up.
- I used to take him out fishing once in a while.
- They were both lonely, so why not see each other once in a while.
- Don't wait until tomorrow before you tell him, strike while the iron is hot!
- So, it should strike while the iron is hot and go to the country as soon as possible.
- And finally the Soft Sell - it will always be worth your while to invest in a stout umbrella!
- Controversy really begins when there are varying views as to whether a house is worth saving.
- Dardis assured Bernstein that it would be worth his while to fly down to Miami again.
- However, rather than getting upset about this it spurs her on to try harder to show that they are worth watching.
- I had to make her see that the exercise was worth her while.
- If he! ital! is! off! going to fight, he wants it to be worth his while.
- It could be worth your while.
- The try is to be worth five points while the drop goal will count for two points.
- I'll make sure they approve your application if you make it worth my while.
- I didn't want to lend Terry my car, but he said he'd make it worth my while.
- The basketball federation in Kuwait offered him a coaching job, and made it worth his while.
- He also has a lucrative five-year contract at Hilton that makes it worth his while to stick around.
- Obviously he would promise to make it worth your while.
They arrived while we were having dinner. While she was asleep, thieves broke in and stole her handbag. She met Andy while working on a production of ‘Carmen’.2all the time that something is happening: Would you look after the children while I do the shopping?GRAMMAR: Choosing the right tenseYou use the present tense, not ‘will’, with while when you are talking about the future: · I hope to visit the British Museum while I am in London. ✗Don’t say I hope to visit the British Museum while I will be in London.Grammar guide ‒ VERBS3used to emphasize the difference between two situations, activities etc: Schools in the north tend to be better equipped, while those in the south are relatively poor.► see thesaurus at but4in spite of the fact that SYN although: While never a big eater, he did snack a lot. While there was no conclusive evidence, most people thought he was guilty.5 while I’m/you’re etc at/about it spoken used to suggest that someone should do something at the same time that they do something else: Print out what you’ve written, and while you’re at it make a copy for me.THESAURUSwhile during the time that you are doing something, or something is happening: · I bought a magazine while I was waiting for the train.· While we were on holiday, my bag was stolen.meanwhile at the same time as something else is happening: · They’re still working on our bedroom. Meanwhile, we’re sleeping downstairs.· The Russians, meanwhile, declared war on August 8.in the meantime during the period of time between now and a future event, or between two events in the past: · More aid is expected soon, but in the meantime these people are going hungry.· My new job hadn’t started, so in the meantime I tried to write a book.whilst British English while. Whilst sounds a little more formal than while: · One American plane was forced to land whilst flying over North Korea.· Whilst all this was going on, the performers were getting ready for the show.while1 conjunctionwhile2 nounwhile3 verb
whilewhile2 ●●● S1 W2 noun WORD ORIGINwhile2
Origin:
Old English hwilEXAMPLES FROM THE CORPUS
- After a while he got the point that it was permanent.
- After a while we are aware of a deviation, the gravitational pull of an unseen planet.
- But I begged his indulgence to share it with him just a little while longer.
- Jasper and I watched them for a while, and they summoned us, in a friendly way, to join them.
- The industry's hit-men will have to lie quiet, for a while.
- Things might be difficult for a while but I didn't envisage any radical changes.
Longman Language Activatora long time
· It's good to see you again, Ben -- it's been a really long time.(for) a long time · He's lived here a long time.· The house has been empty for a long time.in a long time · I haven't heard from Chuck in a long time.· It's about the worst cold I've had in a long time.a long time ago · We met in August 1947, a long time ago.· I've been to California, but it was a very long time ago.a very long time/a long, long time · We've been friends for a very long time.· A long, long time ago, a king had three daughters.it's a long time since · It's a long time since I heard from Clive.take (somebody) a long time (to do something) · It's a big file, so it'll take a long time to print out.· It's taking you a long time to finish that assignment, isn't it?last a long time · That's a big notepad you have there, it should last a long time.
a fairly long time: for a while: · How's Lynne? I haven't seen her for a while.· So you guys were in Brazil for a while, huh?in a while: · I haven't worn that jacket in a while.after a while: · After a while, I realised he was serious.a while ago/back: · He fought for the title a while ago.· 'Is that a photo of him?' 'Yeah, that was taken a while back - his hair's longer now.' it's (been) a while since: · It's been a while since I read the book, and I can't remember much about it, to be honest.quite a while (=a long time): · He's been going out with her quite a while now, hasn't he?a long while: · I haven't played chess in a really long while.a little while: · Can I hold her for a little while?· A little while later, Rick returned with the drinks.take (somebody) a while: · It took me a while before I could understand him.· Your leg will take a while to get better, Mary.
a long time, or for a long time: · Have you been waiting long?· I won't be long.· It has long been recognized that a high fat diet can cause heart problems.long before/after: · Long after the war, the wreckage of his plane was discovered.· They ran out of things to talk about long before they arrived.· 75 percent of the battered women in our survey stayed with their husbands long after most people would have left. so long: · They've been together so long, I can't figure out why they don't get married.long ago: · I guess it didn't happen very long ago.take (somebody) so long: · I don't visit very often because it takes so long to get over there.· I'm sorry this is taking so long.
for a long time: · Have you been working here for long?· I hope his speech doesn't go on for long.· He'll have to stay in hospital, but not for long.for very long: · I haven't known them for very long.
many hours, months, or years, and a lot longer than you expected: · It was years before we found out the truth.· Sorry I'm late. Had to wait hours for a bus.· Justin spends hours and hours just playing this one game.for hours/months/years etc: · I must get the car serviced -- I've been putting it off for months.· Henry seemed to be on the phone for hours last night.months/years/hours etc ago: · I bought this pen years ago. Two pounds it cost me!· Rob went out hours ago, and he's not back yet.be weeks/months/hours etc since: · It's been years since I was there, the place must have changed.
for the whole of one day, the whole of one week etc: · It's been snowing almost all day long.· I've been thinking about you all night long.
especially British, spoken a very long time: (for) ages: · I've had that jar of coffee ages, you'd better throw it out.· Derek's been telling her for ages to get another job.it's ages since: · It's ages since we played this game - I'd forgotten how good you are.· It seems like ages since we saw Ron and Eileen. ages ago (=a long time ago): · "When did you sell the car?" "Ages ago!"· I emailed you ages ago -- hasn't it arrived? wait/spend ages: · I spent ages in town trying to find something to wear for the wedding.· We had to wait ages till the doctor could see us.ages and ages (=use this to emphasize how long something takes or lasts): · Oh come on, we haven't had chips for ages and ages.
spoken a very long time, or too long: · Let me see the map, or we'll be driving round here forever.· God's love endures forever.go on forever: · Well, I don't suppose the police will let the situation go on forever!· We had a game of Scrabble that seemed to go on forever.last forever: · You go into marriage thinking it's going to last forever.· These wool blankets pretty much last forever, don't they?forever and a day (=use this to emphasize that something continues for a very long time): · I'm staying here. If I go with you, it'll take forever and a day.
American spoken if you wait, walk, stand etc for the longest time , you do it for a very long time: · We sat in the bar drinking for the longest time.· For the longest time, we didn't even realize he was gone.
British informal a long time, used especially to say that something happened a very long time ago: for donkey's years: · She worked in the shop for donkey's years, although the pay was awful.donkey's years ago: · We used to play golf together, but that was donkey's years ago.donkey's years since: · It's donkey's years since I went to the movies.
for as long as people who are still alive can remember: · It was the hottest summer in living memory.· For the first time in living memory, old Jack had left the island.within living memory: · The site had only flooded once within living memory.
only a short time ago if something happened recently , it happened a short time before now, especially a few days or weeks ago: · The President has recently returned from a five day tour of South America.only recently: · a new species of plant that was only recently discovered in southern Braziluntil recently: · He lived in Boston until quite recently.· Until recently, commercial fishermen had been allowed to shoot sea lions if they tried to steal their catch. very recently: · "When did she go back to Italy?" "Oh, very recently - just a couple of days ago."as recently as (=used when something happened surprisingly recently): · As recently as the mid sixties, Nelson Rockefeller was considered unsuitable for the presidency because he had once been divorced.recently discovered/completed/built etc: · a recently published textbook· the recently industrialized countries of Southeast Asia
in the recent past: · Not long ago, computers were crude, unreliable machines, used by only a few experts.· Not long ago I asked a friend what her children gave her for her birthday. "Peace," she said. "They went out for the day."not so long ago: · There was a time not so long ago when everyone felt confident about investing in property.
very recently: · So what is the government's reaction to this news? A short time ago our political correspondent Jon Lander spoke to the Foreign Secretary, Robin Cook.· The red wolf survived until a short time ago in east Texas, but is now believed extinct in the wild.only/just a short time ago: · Seeing the tramp, Thomas remembered how he himself had been poor only a short time ago.
: newly formed/created/appointed/married etc formed, married etc very recently, especially during the last few days or weeks: · A newly married couple have moved into the house next door.· The group meets regularly in the newly built Chinese community center.· Mr Chandler is now director of the company's newly formed publishing division.
: freshly cut/cooked/made/painted etc cut, cooked etc a very short time ago, especially during the last few minutes or hours: · There's a pot of freshly made coffee on the kitchen table.· Add one clove of freshly crushed garlic.· Someone had placed a bunch of freshly cut roses on her desk.· At the beginning of term the school looked bright and clean with its freshly painted walls and polished floors.
spoken use this to say that something happened or you did something recently: · I met Lucy the other day outside Budgens.· Well, did my dad tell you what happened to me in the car the other day?just the other day: · I can't believe this weather - it was freezing just the other day!
a short time ago, usually not more than a few hours: · "Is there a Mrs Lambert staying at the hotel?'' "Yes, she checked in a short while ago.''just a short/little while ago: · Bobby's attorney gave me a call just a little while ago, to talk about the terms of the will.
informal fairly recently, usually a few weeks or months ago: · I broke my leg a little while back when I fell off a horse.
sometimes on some occasions, but not always: · Sometimes I drive to work and sometimes I walk.· Traffic noise is sometimes a problem.· The journey takes about an hour, sometimes even longer.· Injuries of this type sometimes take a long time to heal.
use this to talk about something that only happens a few times, and does not happen often: · Occasionally we go out to restaurants, but mostly we eat at home.· Kay's moods sometimes made life difficult, and occasionally impossible.very occasionally (=not at all often): · He lives in Australia now, so we only see him very occasionally.
at fairly regular periods but not often: · Every so often, Frank looked up at me and smiled.· The silence was broken every so often by the sound of guns in the distance.
sometimes but not at all often: · It would be nice if we could see each other once in a while.· Teaching art can be fairly dull, but once in a while I come across a talent that really excites me.every once in a while (=fairly rarely): · Every once in a while he disappears for days on end.
if something happens at times , it happens on particular occasions but it is not normal or typical of what usually happens: · In a job like this, you're bound to feel a little stressed at times.· At times even the most talented athletes lose their motivation.
use this to talk about something that sometimes happens that is different from what happens most of the time: · I wear hats now and again, but they don't really suit me.· Now and then she would check on the baby sleeping in the next room.every now and again/every now and then: · Every now and again a passenger would pass through the carriage on the way to the bathroom.
sometimes, but not at all regularly and not very often: · This is the kind of problem that we all have from time to time.· From time to time a helicopter flew by, but mostly the sky remained clear.
especially spoken for short periods, but not continuously or regularly, over a long period of time: · We've been going out together for five years, off and on. · I worked in bars on and off for two years before I decided to go back to college.
a short time a very short time: · Can I show you something? It'll only take a minute.· Luke thought for a moment and then said: "Would you like to come too?"· Can you turn that off a minute (=for a minute) ?in a minute/moment: · Yes, I'm coming in a moment.a minute/moment ago: · Helen was here a minute ago. You've just missed her.for a minute/moment: · If you'd been quiet for a minute, I'd explain what happened.
also a sec informal spoken a very short time - use this especially when asking someone to wait for a short time: · Just a second - I think it's on the desk upstairs.for a second/sec: · For a second there, I forgot what it was called.in a second/sec: · Hang on, I'll be with you in a sec.
a short time: · "How long will it take?" "Oh, not long - just a couple of hours."· I saw her not long ago.not long before/after: · His book was published not long after he died.· It wasn't long before Gemma lost all interest in the new puppy. not long to go (=used to say that something will happen in a short time): · "When's the baby due?" "Three weeks, so there's not long to go."won't be long (=use this to say that someone or something will come or return soon): · I'm popping to the shop, I won't be long.· Supper won't be long.
especially British, spoken a short time: · Wait a bit, I've nearly finished.· I sat down, and after a bit, the phone rang.· Do you mind looking after the kids for a bit while I go out?
a short period of time, during or after which something happens: · Bob's only worked here for a short while, about six months I think.· It always takes a little while to get used to the climate.a little/short while ago: · He was on the telly a short while ago.
a short period of time during which a lot of things happen: in/within a short space of time: · It's amazing how much you can learn in such a short space of time.· In the brief space of time since the war ended, citizens have managed to rebuild over half the city.· She had gained an awful lot of journalistic experience within a short space of time.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY It takes a while to recover from the operation. Wait a little while before deciding. We talked for quite a while (=a fairly long time) on the phone.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
It takes a while to recover from the operation. Wait a little while before deciding. We talked for quite a while (=a fairly long time) on the phone. Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. (=see you soon)
For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.· Just sit very still and wait a little while.· It might take me a little while.· Concentrating on Emma would help to keep her worries at bay for a little while.· I now had some helpful connections in Warsaw, even if for only a little while.· A little while later he gave his horses a rest, and returned to the spot they had refused to pass.· You finished that first sip of beer, and now it is a little while later.
· When the names and numbers were read out it was a long while before we heard the name of Deerhurst.· For a long while she heard them in silence.· It was a long while before John got to sleep that night.· A baby carriage was overturned, and a heavy rain of black ash descended for a long while afterward.· After a long while, watching the attack and listening to the screeching wood, Tallis had had enough.· For a long while after that first day, I could not live with the dead woman and her possessions.· Raynor stared into the fire for a long while.· I went into her room and waited a long while.
· In a short while he found new amusement: walking loudly all over the metal roof, to his own vocal accompaniment.· Sure enough, in a short while a girl called Mitti turned up.· I stay for a short while, looking for Philip.· Granted, he has been in office a short while, and has had much to occupy him.· I carried it out in the field for a short while.· My father went mad and I think he actually hated me for a short while.
VERB· She sat for a while, becoming quieter, breathing deeply, ceasing to tremble.· Let it sit there a while.· She sat for a while, checking an anguish which made her want to sob.· We sat for a while, the three of us, as twilight fell.· If he would like to sit there for a while and learn something, I will then cheerfully give way to him.· They sat for a while with no other sound than the wind.· I sat quietly for a while finishing my most recent cup of coffee.· They sat up a good while, watching the stars swarm along the edge of the veranda roof.
· So you are going to stay a while on the globe?· I can't stay but a little while.· Dear Friends?: Stay friends for a while longer.· He stayed outside for a while before being ordered back inside his caravan by the soldiers.· They both would stay up for a while yet.
· It took us a good while to get to the location.· Traffic was fine through the tunnel, but it still took me a while to get a parking space.· It took quite a while for him to get back on his bike again.· It took even Chadwick a while to grasp the beauty of such simplicity.· It might take a while for the contacts to happen, but they'd happen.· It took a while for me to make a decision.· But she knew it would take a while before the immeasurable hunger receded within her.· It took me a while to realize that Uncle Shim no longer visited.
· But I decided to wait a while before speaking.· After an erratic and harried greeting, we waited quite a while for some one to initiate contact.· Just sit very still and wait a little while.· I went into her room and waited a long while.· We waited for a while as he shovelled coal and filled his boilers.· Economists will have to wait a while for how the federal government read Massachusetts' employment situation last month.· We waited for quite a while.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► while I’m/you’re etc at it
1a while a period of time, especially a short one: - 'Is that a photo of him?' 'Yeah, that was taken a while back - his hair's longer now.'
- A little while later, Rick returned with the drinks.
- After a while, I realised he was serious.
- After a while, I realized what he meant.
- Can I hold her for a little while?
- Can you wait a while?
- He's been going out with her quite a while now, hasn't he?
- He fought for the title a while ago.
- He was furious, and it took him a while to calm down.
- How's Lynne? I haven't seen her for a while.
- I haven't played chess in a really long while.
- I haven't worn that jacket in a while.
- It's been a while since I read the book, and I can't remember much about it, to be honest.
- It's been a while since we last heard from Jo.
- It took me a while before I could understand him.
- So you guys were in Brazil for a while, huh?
- All the while I was in college, Joan was traveling.
- But all the while he was learning and soon the time had come when he was no longer satisfied to design for others.
- He talked to her as if they were lovers, all the while keeping a knife pressed against her throat.
- Phillis without a frown or smile Sat and knotted, and knotted and knotted and knotted all the while.
- The bugle sounded the charge; the horsemen's pace increased, but remained all the while under control.
- The weather was perfect all the while we were there, the evenings very lovely, moonlight softened by fog.
- Yet all the while she spoke with me, she never made a sound nor expressed any sadness or regret.
- Er, he said, while we 're about it, you couldn't lend me your bass as well, could you?
- Once, despite the age requirement, my sister charms her way on to this ride while my back is turned.
- Let's get out while the going's good.
- The tourists won't be here forever, so we'd better make hay while the sun shines.
- I only see her every once in a while at school.
- All of these Helen used, displayed, wore, not once in a while, but every day, blushing.
- But look at them once in a while.
- He calls me once in a while or I call him.
- He just comes round once in a while and they go out.
- I do need to see every once in a while.
- I think you should change your shampoo and conditioner once in a while to avoid product build-up.
- I used to take him out fishing once in a while.
- They were both lonely, so why not see each other once in a while.
- Don't wait until tomorrow before you tell him, strike while the iron is hot!
- So, it should strike while the iron is hot and go to the country as soon as possible.
- And finally the Soft Sell - it will always be worth your while to invest in a stout umbrella!
- Controversy really begins when there are varying views as to whether a house is worth saving.
- Dardis assured Bernstein that it would be worth his while to fly down to Miami again.
- However, rather than getting upset about this it spurs her on to try harder to show that they are worth watching.
- I had to make her see that the exercise was worth her while.
- If he! ital! is! off! going to fight, he wants it to be worth his while.
- It could be worth your while.
- The try is to be worth five points while the drop goal will count for two points.
- I'll make sure they approve your application if you make it worth my while.
- I didn't want to lend Terry my car, but he said he'd make it worth my while.
- The basketball federation in Kuwait offered him a coaching job, and made it worth his while.
- He also has a lucrative five-year contract at Hilton that makes it worth his while to stick around.
- Obviously he would promise to make it worth your while.
It takes a while to recover from the operation.in a while Mr Thomas will be with you in a while.for a while At last, he could relax for a while.a little/short while Wait a little while before deciding. We talked for quite a while (=a fairly long time) on the phone.2all the while all the time that something is happening: He examined her thoroughly, talking softly all the while. She continued working, all the while keeping an eye on the clock. → (every) once in a while at once1(8), → be worth somebody’s while (to do/doing something) at worth1(5), → make it worth somebody’s while at worth1(6)while1 conjunctionwhile2 nounwhile3 verb
whilewhile3 verb VERB TABLE
while
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | while |
| he, she, it | whiles | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | whiled |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have whiled |
| he, she, it | has whiled | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had whiled |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will while |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have whiled |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am whiling |
| he, she, it | is whiling | |
| you, we, they | are whiling | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was whiling |
| you, we, they | were whiling | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been whiling |
| he, she, it | has been whiling | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been whiling |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be whiling |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been whiling |
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSNOUN
Tom got a letter from him just a little while ago. I’d been waiting a good while (=a fairly long time). He arrived a little while ago. (=see you soon)
For a short while (=a short time), the city functioned as the region’s capital. It might be worth your while to talk to the head of department.· It's hard to while away the time.· Here are seven dad-tested travel ideas that will help you connect with your kids while having a good time.· It is a way of whiling away the time, wearing shirts, while staring across the street at the cops.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRYPHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► while I’m/you’re etc at it
while away the hours/evening/days etc to spend time in a pleasant and lazy way: - Let's while away the hours swapping stories.
- Er, he said, while we 're about it, you couldn't lend me your bass as well, could you?
- Once, despite the age requirement, my sister charms her way on to this ride while my back is turned.
- Let's get out while the going's good.
- The tourists won't be here forever, so we'd better make hay while the sun shines.
- I only see her every once in a while at school.
- All of these Helen used, displayed, wore, not once in a while, but every day, blushing.
- But look at them once in a while.
- He calls me once in a while or I call him.
- He just comes round once in a while and they go out.
- I do need to see every once in a while.
- I think you should change your shampoo and conditioner once in a while to avoid product build-up.
- I used to take him out fishing once in a while.
- They were both lonely, so why not see each other once in a while.
- Don't wait until tomorrow before you tell him, strike while the iron is hot!
- So, it should strike while the iron is hot and go to the country as soon as possible.
- And finally the Soft Sell - it will always be worth your while to invest in a stout umbrella!
- Controversy really begins when there are varying views as to whether a house is worth saving.
- Dardis assured Bernstein that it would be worth his while to fly down to Miami again.
- However, rather than getting upset about this it spurs her on to try harder to show that they are worth watching.
- I had to make her see that the exercise was worth her while.
- If he! ital! is! off! going to fight, he wants it to be worth his while.
- It could be worth your while.
- The try is to be worth five points while the drop goal will count for two points.
- I'll make sure they approve your application if you make it worth my while.
- I didn't want to lend Terry my car, but he said he'd make it worth my while.
- The basketball federation in Kuwait offered him a coaching job, and made it worth his while.
- He also has a lucrative five-year contract at Hilton that makes it worth his while to stick around.
- Obviously he would promise to make it worth your while.
The evenings were whiled away in endless games of cards.