awhile
Adverb: For a short period of time; for a while.
The adverb "awhile" is used to describe an action that lasts for a short, indefinite duration. It modifies verbs to indicate how long an action occurs. It is typically used after verbs like wait, stay, rest, sit, or talk.
- Please wait awhile; I'll be right back.
- Let's sit and talk awhile.
- The rain stopped, so we played outside awhile.
- He paused awhile before answering the difficult question.
"Awhile" vs. "A While": A common point of confusion is the difference between the adverb "awhile" (one word) and the noun phrase "a while" (two words). * "Awhile" is an adverb and directly modifies a verb. It answers the question "how long?" * We rested awhile. (modifies the verb "rested") * "A while" is a noun phrase, typically following a preposition like for, in, or after. * We rested for a while. ("a while" is the object of the preposition "for") * It took a while to finish. ("a while" is the subject of the infinitive phrase)
A helpful test is to see if you can replace the word/phrase with another time period noun like "an hour." If you can use "for an hour," you need the noun phrase "a while." If you can use the adverb "briefly," you need "awhile." * We rested (for) an hour. → We rested for a while. (Correct) * We rested briefly. → We rested awhile. (Correct)
- While (noun): A period of time.
- I haven't seen you in a long while.
- While (conjunction): During the time that; at the same time as.
- I read a book while waiting.
- Briefly
- For a moment
- For a bit
- For a short time
- Temporarily
- Once in a while: Occasionally; not very often.
- We go out for dinner once in a while.
- Worth your while: Worth the time or effort spent.
- Reading that book is worth your while.
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for a short time
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sit down and stay awhile
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they settled awhile in Virginia before moving West
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the baby was quiet for a while
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