English Grammar
WHILE vs MEANWHILE vs IN THE MEANTIME
the difference explained
When referring to simultaneous events, while and meanwhile both mean ‘during that time’ or ‘at the time that’. They are used to connect two events happening at the same time. However there are some differences.
WHILE
‘While’ can connect two clauses referring to simultaneous events within the same sentence :
- “Someone knocked on the door while I was playing the piano.”
- “While I was watching a film, the postman delivered a parcel.”
- "I often listen to music while I work."
'While can also replace ‘whereas’ for contrast :
- "While many Brits drink beer, the French refer wine."
MEANWHILE
‘Meanwhile’ is used to introduce a new clause or sentence that describes something
happening at the same time as another action.
‘Meanwhile’ is placed at the beginning of the sentence and has a comma after it.
- “Sue was tidying the house. Meanwhile, the children were playing outside.”
- “The electricity has been turned off for 2 hours. Meanwhile, we have no heating.”
Compare these sentences using ‘while’ and ‘meanwhile’ :
- “I will peel the potatoes while you chop the onions.”
- “I will peel the potatoes. Meanwhile, you chop the onions.”
- “Tony worked in the garden while his wife was preparing lunch.”
- “Tony was working in the garden. Meanwhile, his wife was preparing lunch.”
IN THE MEANTIME
‘In the meantime’ means ‘in the period of time between two events’.
The expression is often used without “in the”.
- “The car won’t be ready for another hour. In the meantime I’ll do some shopping.”
- “Carla's new job starts in September. In the meantime she’s doing temporary work.”
- “The doctor is on his way. Try to relax in the meantime.”
- “Eventually our children will become independent, but in the meantime they depend on us.”