Awhile versus A While

What is the Difference Between Awhile and A While?


When to Use Awhile

Awhile means for a period of time and functions strictly as an adverb. Adverbs modify other adverbs, verbs, and adjectives. For example,

  • Can you stay here awhile longer?

    Notice that since awhile is an adverb, you can replace it with other adverbs in your sentence. For example,

  • Go play awhile.
    Could be changed to,

  • Go play quietly.
  • Go play happily.

    When to Use A While

    A while is actually two separate words. “A” is an article, and “while” is a noun meaning a period of time.

    When you combine the two of them, they form what is called a noun phrase, which is simply a phrase that plays the role of a noun. For example,

  • I’m going away for a while.


    Summary: A While vs. Awhile

    Is it a while or awhile? Although these words can be tough to remember, it’s important to use them correctly because a while vs. awhile do have different functions inside a sentence.

    Awhile is an adverb and cannot appear after prepositional phrases.

    A while is a noun phrases but can also function adverbially. Only a while can come after prepositional phrases.


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