Awhile vs. A While: Space Changes Meaning
The Grammar Behind It
- Awhile = an adverb meaning “for a time”
- A while = a noun phrase meaning “a period of time”
The difference is how they function in a sentence.
Awhile: Stands Alone
“Awhile” is an adverb—it modifies a verb directly:
- “Stay awhile.” ✓
- “Rest awhile before continuing.” ✓
- “Let’s chat awhile.” ✓
Notice there’s no preposition before it.
A While: Needs a Preposition
“A while” is a noun phrase—it typically follows “for,” “in,” or “after”:
- “Stay for a while.” ✓
- “I haven’t seen her in a while.” ✓
- “After a while, he returned.” ✓
The Substitution Trick
Try replacing with “for a time”:
- “Stay awhile” → “Stay for a time” ✓ (works as adverb)
- “Stay for a while” → “Stay for for a time” ✗ (redundant “for”)
If adding “for” creates a double preposition, use awhile. If “for” is already there, use a while.
Common Mistakes
Wrong: “Wait for awhile.” Right: “Wait for a while.” or “Wait awhile.”
Wrong: “It’s been a while since…” Right: “It’s been a while since…” ✓ (this one’s actually correct—“a while” after “been”)
The Pattern
| Before it | Use |
|---|---|
| for | a while |
| in | a while |
| after | a while |
| nothing (direct adverb) | awhile |
Real Examples
- “Come in and sit awhile.” ✓ (adverb, no preposition)
- “This might take a while.” ✓ (noun phrase)
- “I’ll be gone for a while.” ✓ (after “for”)
- “Let me think awhile.” ✓ (adverb, no preposition)
Remember
- Awhile = use when there’s no preposition before it
- A while = use after “for,” “in,” or as a noun phrase