Tabular Difference Between awhile and a-while
Awhile | A-while | |
Type | Adverb | Noun phrase |
Meaning | For a short time, temporarily | A specific duration of time |
Usage | Describes a temporary state or action | Describes a length of time |
Examples | “Can you wait awhile for me?” | “I need to take a break for a while.” |
Separable | Cannot be separated into two words | Can be separated into “a” and “while” |
Object | Cannot be used as an object of a preposition or verb | Can be used as an object of a preposition or verb |
Verb Usage | “I will stay here awhile.” | “I will stay here for a while.” |
Preposition Usage | “After waiting awhile, she left.” | “After waiting for a while, she left.” |
Adverb Usage | “Can you stay awhile longer?” | Not used as an adverb |
Article Usage | No article | “A” is used before “while” |
Difference Between awhile and a-while
Awhile and a-while are two phrases that are often used interchangeably, but they have different meanings and usage in grammar. Awhile and a-while are pronounced similarly but have different grammatical roles and slightly distinct meanings.
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