Today while writing an email, I used the word “awhile” and then realized I wasn’t sure if I should be using “awhile” or “a while”. So, as I always do, I quickly looked up the definition for “awhile” in the dictionary on my Mac (which, using Quicksilver, is as easy as Cmd+Space -> “dic” -> Enter). I was very surprised to see this definition:
awhile: for a short time
I’ve always thought, and used, both “awhile” and “a while” to mean a period of time longer than a short time. So then I checked Google’s definitions:
awhile: for a short time
a while: a period of indeterminate length (usually short)
Wow, still very confusing! I dug a little further on Google, searching for a good rule that would help me remember which to use while writing. I think I finally found one:
awhile always means “for a while”
a while usually means “for a length of time”, and is sometimes accompanied by a preposition, such as “I left work a while ago”. You can also add adjectives to further describe the amount of time implied, such as “Its been a long while” or “Please wait for a short while”.
Now whenever I need to determine if using “awhile” makes sense, I can simply replace it with “for a while” and see if the sentence still sounds right. For example, “I left work awhile ago” would mean “I left work for a while ago”, which is of course wrong. I use a similar rule to remember when to use “it’s” and “its”; the former always translates into “it is”.
you spent way too much time figuring that out. i could have told you that in about 30 seconds.
I have no doubt you could have! It actually only took me about 15 seconds to figure it out, but then I spent some time writing this post. I write posts like this to help others who might be searching for the same answer.
Besides, for me, it’s all about the search, the hunt, or the journey, no matter how small.
Thank you! This is actually very helpful, Raam.
You’re welcome, Rachel! I’m glad I could help!
It’s funny but some times such trivial things happen because “awhile” ago (tell me it’s right. *LOL*) it happened to me. And so I searched the web and bingo! another one who had the same dilemma like mine. Thanks.
Hey Cris!
That’s the beauty of the web!
Being able to help each other out without even knowing each other existed! 