Which One To Use: Although Or While?

Sometimes people use ‘while’ instead of ‘although’ or ‘whereas’, and while these words may sound like they have similar meanings, their usage is completely different or is it? Read ahead to learn more!

Although as a conjunction

Although means ‘in spite of the fact that’. It can also mean ‘though, even though’ depending on the context.

Although is a concessive conjunction. This means that it expresses concession — a thing that is granted, especially in response to demands.

Examples:

1. “Although it was very muddy, the football game went on.”
2. “It was difficult, although not as difficult as we had expected.”

While as a conjunction/noun/verb

While can be used in a variety of ways i.e. as a conjunction, a noun and even a verb.

While as a conjunction

It can have the following different meanings:

1. During the same time that.
   Example: “He was sleeping while I was singing.”
2. although
   Example: “This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.”
3. until
   Example: “I’ll wait while you’ve finished painting.”

While as a noun

As a noun, while means “A certain duration of time or a period of time.”
Example:

1. “He lectured for quite a long while.”
2. “It took him quite a while to get here.”

While as a verb

As a verb, while means to “pass time idly”

Example: “Don’t while away your time.”

This is however an archaic use of the word and ‘while away’ can be easily replaced in the sentence using ‘waste’

Example: “Don’t waste your time.”

Comma with While and Although

Here are a few bonus tips on usage of although and while:

A comma before while means ‘whereas’ or ‘although’

Example:

1. I prefer chocolate cake, while (whereas) my sister prefers key lime pie.
2. The price of eggs is rising, while (although) the price of milk has stayed the same.

No comma before while means ‘at the same time’

Example:

1. I decided to take a nap under my desk while everyone else was in the meeting.
2. Let’s order the curtains while they’re still on sale.

While at the beginning of a sentence

When while is the first word of your sentence, you obviously shouldn’t add a comma in front of it. But if you’re using while to mean “whereas,” you still need to put a comma somewhere. Put it at the end of the clause that while introduces. The comma should go between the things being contrasted or happening at the same time.

Example:

1. While my sister prefers key lime pie, I prefer chocolate cake.
2. While the price of milk has stayed the same, the price of eggs is rising.