While vs. Since: Difference and Comparison
Edited by Muazma Batool — By Muneeza Rehman — Published on November 20, 2023
"While" indicates a simultaneous action or period; "since" refers to the start of a period or the reason for an action.
Difference Between While and Since
"While" and "since" both function as conjunctions in the English language, yet they carry distinct nuances. "While" primarily signifies a simultaneous event or action. For example, you might read a book while listening to music, denoting two actions happening concurrently.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
Conversely, "since" has a dual role. It can point to the beginning of a time frame or serve as a synonym for "because." When referencing time, "since" indicates an ongoing action or state from a specific point in the past up to the present. For instance, "It's been raining since morning," illustrates an action that started in the morning and continues presently.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
When used in the context of reason or causality, "since" equates to "because." An example is, "She left since she was tired," suggesting the reason for her departure was fatigue. It's crucial to discern the intended meaning based on the sentence's context.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
In essence, while both "while" and "since" have temporal associations, their applications diverge. "While" focuses on concurrent actions or periods, whereas "since" delves into either the start of a time period or the reason behind an action.
Leo
Nov 20, 2023
While vs. Since Comparison Chart
Primary Use
Indicates simultaneous actions.
Indicates start of a time period or a reason.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
Temporal Association
Yes, concurrent actions.
Yes, beginning of a time frame.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Example of Temporal Use
"She studied while he cooked."
"It's been years since we met."
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
While vs. Since Definitions
◉While
Relates to despite the fact that.
While I understand your point, I disagree.
Muneeza Rehman
Sep 15, 2023
◉While
Pertains to a certain time when something happens.
I dropped my glass while trying to dance.
William
Sep 15, 2023
◉Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
A period of time
stay for a while.
sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
An uncertain duration of time, a period of time.
He lectured for quite a long while.
It’s a long while since anyone lived there, so it’s a ruin now.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
From: referring to a period of time ending in the present and defining it by the point in time at which it started, or the period in which its starting point occurred.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
From a definite past time until now; as, he went a month ago, and I have not seen him since.
We since become the slaves to one man's lust.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
In the time past, counting backward from the present; before this or now; ago.
How many ages since has Virgil writ?
About two years since, it so fell out, that he was brought to a great lady's house.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
From the time of; in or during the time subsequent to; subsequently to; after; - usually with a past event or time for the object.
The Lord hath blessed thee, since my coming.
I have a model by which he build a nobler poem than any extant since the ancients.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
Space of time, or continued duration, esp. when short; a time; as, one while we thought him innocent.
This mighty queen may no while endure.
[Some guest that] hath outside his welcome while,And tells the jest without the smile.
I will go forth and breathe the air a while.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉Since
Seeing that; because; considering; - formerly followed by that.
Since that my penitence comes after all,Imploring pardon.
Since truth and constancy are vain,Since neither love, nor sense of pain,Nor force of reason, can persuade,Then let example be obeyed.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
That which requires time; labor; pains.
Satan . . . cast him how he might quite her while.
And so on us at whiles it falls, to claimPowers that we dread.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
To cause to pass away pleasantly or without irksomeness or disgust; to spend or pass; - usually followed by away.
The lovely lady whiled the hours away.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
During the time that; as long as; whilst; at the same time that; as, while I write, you sleep.
Use your memory; you will sensibly experience a gradual improvement, while you take care not to overload it.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
Until; till.
I may be conveyed into your chamber;I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
◉While
a period of indeterminate length (usually short) marked by some action or condition;
he was here for a little while
I need to rest for a piece
a spell of good weather
a patch of bad weather
Muneeza Rehman
May 03, 2023
While vs. Since Frequently Asked Questions
How does "since" signify reason?
"Since" can act as a synonym for "because" indicating causality.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Is "while" always about simultaneous actions?
Mostly, but it can also introduce contrast or specify a time when something occurs.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
Can "while" and "since" be used interchangeably?
Generally no, as they denote different temporal or causal relationships.
Muazma Batool
Nov 20, 2023
How do I decide between "while" and "since"?
Focus on whether you're conveying simultaneity (while) or a starting point/reason (since).
Lucas
Nov 20, 2023
Which word can introduce contrast?
"While" can introduce contrast between two statements.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can "since" be used to denote a specific past time?
Yes, it indicates the beginning of a period continuing to the present.
Jonathan
Nov 20, 2023
Does "while" indicate a shorter time frame than "since"?
Not necessarily, "while" just denotes concurrent actions or periods.
Kaitlyn
Nov 20, 2023
In what context might "since" be confusing?
When its use as a time indicator and reason overlap, discernment is needed.
Muneeza Rehman
Nov 20, 2023
Can "since" be used for future actions?
Typically no, it's rooted in past-to-present time frames.
Jonathan
Nov 20, 2023
How can I remember their distinct uses?
Associate "while" with "at the same time" and "since" with "beginning from" or "because of."
Elijah
Nov 20, 2023
Content Creators
Written by
Muneeza RehmanAt Comparisons.wiki, Muneeza skillfully navigates the vast sea of information, ensuring clarity and accuracy as the lead content editor. With a keen eye for detail, she curates every comparison to enlighten and engage readers.
Edited by
Muazma BatoolAs a content editor, Muazma Batool is not just a grammar guru but a creative mastermind who breathes life into every word. With an eagle eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she transforms bland text into engaging content that captivates audiences and drives results.
