Is While A Conjunction? 5 Facts(When, Why & Examples)

The word ‘while’ as a conjunction either indicates something happening during a period of time of another situation or it indicates contrast. Let us explore further.

When two clauses are linked together, a conjunction is employed, and the word ‘while’ becomes one as well if it is utilized correctly.

Let us now look at a few more facts and examples on this topic.

When is “while” a conjunction?

“While” can be considered a conjunction in different contexts. Let us examine whether a word like “while” can be used as a conjunction and when it should not.

“While” is considered a conjunction only when it is employed to join two sentences together can the word “while” serve as a conjunction.

Let us examine a few instances of the information stated above.

ExamplesExplanations
1. I baked some pie while my family was away.In this sentence, the word “while” functions as a conjunction to allow the second clause to expand on the ideas stated in the first.
2. The girl did her homework while her brother was asleep.Because it connects two clauses in this sentence, the word “while” is also viewed as a conjunction.
3. She repaired the television while he worked on the fan.The word “while” is also seen as a conjunction in this sentence because it joins two clauses.
Examples of “while” being used as a conjunction.

Why is “while” a subordinating conjunction?

“While” is considered a subordinating conjunction in many cases. Let us examine as to why that is.

“While” is a subordinating conjunction because it frequently links a dependent (subordinating) clause to an independent (primary) clause. The word “while” falls within the sub-category of a subordinating conjunction.

Examples of “while” as subordinating conjunctions

Several instances of the word “while” being used as a subordinating conjunction are shown below.

ExamplesExplanations
4. The kids giggled while playing hide and seek.The word “while” functions as a conjunction in this sentence while also allowing the second clause to expand on the ideas introduced in the first.
5. They offered us water while we waited in the room.The word “while” is also seen as a conjunction in this sentence because it joins two clauses.
6. The children were out of breath while running on the track.Because it connects two clauses in this sentence, the word “while” is also viewed as a conjunction.
7. The pizza got delivered while we were playing board games.Since the word “while” unites two clauses, it can also be considered a conjunction in this sentence.
8. The man ran a marathon while his wife waited at the end with a bottle of water.The word “while” functions as a conjunction in this sentence while also allowing the second clause to expand on the ideas introduced in the first.
9. We were asked to complete the task while we were on vacation.While serving as a conjunction in this sentence, the word “while” enables the second clause to elaborate on the points made in the first.
10. My grandmother will take rest upstairs while the preparations take place.The term “while” is also seen as a conjunction in this sentence because it joins two clauses.
11. Our professor gave us all personal notes while giving his retirement speech.The word “while” functions as a conjunction in this sentence while also allowing the second clause to expand on the ideas introduced in the first.
12. The parents talked to each other while their kids played in the park.In this sentence, the word “while” functions as a conjunction to allow the second clause to expand on the ideas stated in the first.
Examples of “while” used as a subordinating conjunction.

When is “while” not considered as conjunction?

“While” is not considered a conjunction on many occasions. Let us examine in more detail the circumstances in which “while” is not regarded as a conjunction.

“While” is not considered a conjunction as it sometimes serves its functions in multiple different grammatical forms as well. It can be used as an adverb, noun, verb and even preposition.

Examples of “while” not considered as conjunctions

Here are a few examples of the word “while” not being put to use as a conjunction.

ExamplesGrammatical FormExplanations
13. Since her exams are over, my niece is happily whiling away her time.VerbThe verb form of the term “while” clearly indicates it to be an action word. In this case, it is “whiling”, the continuous tense form.
14. The toddler was happy while he ate ice-cream.AdverbThe adverb and conjunction forms of the word “while” overlap. In other words, if the “while” is used as a conjunction then more often than not it may be considered an adverb as well.
15. While she tries her dress, you go and lay down.PrepositionThe prepositional form of the word “while” is often seen at the beginning of a sentence, usually followed by the subject and then verb, as is the case in this example.
16. My cousin only worked there for a while.NounThe noun form of “while” means “sometime” and has been used in that context in this sentence.
17. We all need a hobby to while away our time.VerbThe word “while” in this case is an action word because it is used in verb form.
18. We chatted a lot while we walked the pavement.AdverbWhile has overlapping definitions in its adverb and conjunction forms. In other words, the word “while” may also frequently be regarded as an adverb if it is employed as a conjunction.
19. While we prepare this dish, the cake will be done.PrepositionAs in this example, the prepositional form of the word “while” is frequently used at the start of a phrase, usually before the subject and the verb.
20. Please look after my belongings for a while.NounWhile has a noun form that denotes “sometime,” and this sentence uses it in that sense.
Examples of “while” used as adverbs, verbs, prepositions and nouns.

Conclusion

As evident from the above explanations and examples, ‘while’ may definitely serve as a conjunction when utilized in specific situations within the English language.