Lately we’ve been examining different instances of precision of language because more effective technical writers consider precision of language in their writing. Four posts ago we examined the differences between defective and deficient. Three posts ago we explored the verb and noun forms of attribute. Two posts ago we described the differences between tenet and tenant. In the last post we explored what distinguishes decided from decisive. In this post we’ll consider another pair prone to attend confusion — a while and awhile.
Awhile is an adverb, just one word meaning for a short time. A while, on the other hand, is a two-word noun phrase meaning a period of time. Some writers use the preposition for before awhile, but its definition clearly makes that use awkward. Just substitute the definition for the word, and you should see that for yourself.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. If you replace the word awhile with its definition, you get an awkward construction:
Awhile is an adverb, just one word meaning for a short time. A while, on the other hand, is a two-word noun phrase meaning a period of time. Some writers use the preposition for before awhile, but its definition clearly makes that use awkward. Just substitute the definition for the word, and you should see that for yourself.
Consider the example sentence in the cropped graphic above. If you replace the word awhile with its definition, you get an awkward construction:
When seeing this condition, field inspectors should wait for for a short time before replacing the coils.
Using for before awhile just produces a less effective presentation. More effective writers can correct this sentence simply by removing for.
When seeing this condition, field inspectors should wait awhile before replacing the coils.
Or if they want to keep the preposition for, they can replace awhile with a while.
When seeing this condition, field inspectors should wait a while before replacing the coils.
Don’t take a while to learn about awhile. Employing precision of language in your writing can help you better communicate your message to your audience. And a more effective presentation will leave a better impression of you and your brands in the minds of your audience.
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