The main difference between awhile and a while is the part of speech. While awhile is an adverb and means for a while, while a while is a noun meaning a period of time.
Table of Contents
Awhile vs A While
| Awhile | vs | A while |
| Awhile is an adverb that means “for a period of time.” | Meaning | A while is a noun phrase that means “a period of time.” |
| Adverb | Parts Of Speech | Noun |
| Not preceded by the preposition | Is Any Preposition Required? | Followed by preposition |
What Does Awhile Mean?
The word awhile is a single-word adverb that modifies verbs. It refers to for a short time or for some time. The term awhile doesn’t follow a preposition and can replace the phrase for a while.
Awhile is not a new addition to English and has existed for a long time, but we don’t use it often.
If you want to use it in a sentence where you could easily replace awhile for temporarily, you are using this adverb correctly.
Examples of Awhile
- Can you please wait here awhile?
- Hey, Ramsey will be away for awhile.
- He thought about it for awhile before agreeing.
- We talked in the café for awhile.
- We waited awhile for him to start.
- The President delayed the decision for awhile.
- Miranda watched her favorite action film for awhile.
- You should take proper rest awhile before your final competition.
- After watching their last performance in the concert, we decided to stay awhile.
Synonyms of Awhile
- Briefly
- Momentarily
- Jiffy
- Soon
- Moment
- Shortly
What Does A While Mean?
The term a while is a two-word version of awhile. It’s a noun phrase containing the indefinite article a. Like all nouns, it can also be modified by adjectives.
A while is commonly used in lots of phrases and sentences. It’s used to refer to an unspecified amount of time. However, there is no limitation to the time.
A while is also called a prepositional phrase.
Use Cases
When something has not happened for a long time, we say:
- It’s been a while since it happened.
When something takes very long to occur, we say:
- It takes quite a while.
If something happened long ago, we say:
- It happened a while ago.
The term is followed by a word that measures time, such as a while ago, a while back, and a while since.
If you want to use it in a sentence where you could easily replace a while for a moment, you’re using this noun phrase correctly.
Examples of A While
- We sang the wedding song for a while.
- Adam, it’s been a while since you visited my mom in New York.
- Yes, the guests will be here in a while.
- He should come over for a while.
- I’ll see you in a while.
- Amanda came back after a while.
- Today, we will watch Netflix for a while.
- Please grant me a break for a while.
- I’ll be back from the departmental store in a while.
Synonyms of A While
- Now
- Sometimes
- Occasionally
- Recurrently
- Periodically
Difference Between Awhile and A While
Both awhile and a while refer to a period of time, but one is written with a space while the other is one word.
In some instances, they can be used interchangeably when describing a brief period of time, for example.
If you’ve found this article helpful, check out our post comparing sell vs sale.
