While vs. Since — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 30, 2023
While often refers to something happening simultaneously with another event, since generally indicates a point in time from when something began or a reason for something happening.
Difference Between While and Since
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
While is frequently employed to describe two simultaneous events, but Since usually indicates the beginning of a specific period or serves as a causal connector.
For instance, you might say "I read a book while waiting," suggesting a concurrent activity, whereas "I haven't seen her since Tuesday" denotes a starting point in time.
Another distinction arises when While is used to contrast two things: "While I love chocolate, I prefer vanilla," in contrast, Since can provide a reason: "Since it's raining, I'll stay indoors."
Furthermore, While often has the connotation of a temporary or shorter duration of time, such as a fleeting moment or brief interval, but Since can reference a more extended period or ongoing situation.
In essence, While emphasizes duration or contrast, and Since places focus on origins, either temporally or causally.
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Usage
Indicates simultaneous events.
Marks the beginning of a time period.
Causal Usage
Used for contrasting two things.
Provides a reason or cause.
Typical Context
Temporary or shorter events.
Longer or ongoing situations.
Example
"While I was eating, the phone rang."
"It has been raining since morning."
Grammatical Role
Often used as a conjunction to introduce a subordinate clause.
Used as a conjunction or preposition depending on context.
Compare with Definitions
While
A period or interval of time.
I'll be there in a short while.
Since
From a particular time in the past until now.
I've known him since 2010.
While
To pass the time in a particular way.
We chatted while waiting.
Since
Because or given that.
Since you're here, help me out.
While
Used to indicate simultaneous events.
She called while I was out.
Since
Introducing a reason or cause.
Since it's late, we should head home.
While
While is a word in the English language that functions both as a noun and as a subordinating conjunction. Its meaning varies largely based on its intended function, position in the phrase and even the writer or speaker's regional dialect.
Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
While
A period of time
Stay for a while.
Sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Since
Before now; ago
A name long since forgotten.
While
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
While
As long as; during the time that
It was lovely while it lasted.
Since
Continuously from
They have been friends since childhood.
While
In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Since
Intermittently from
She's been skiing since childhood.
While
And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
While
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly
While the hours away.
Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
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.
Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
While
(US) an uncertain long period of time
Since
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
While
(Philippines) an uncertain short moment
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.
While
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
While
Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
Since
At certain points during that period of time.
While
Until.
I'll wait while you've finished painting.
Since
From the time that.
I have loved you since I first met you.
While
As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
Since
Because.
Since you didn't call, we left without you.
While
Until.
Since
(obsolete) When or that.
While
To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
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.
While
(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
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.
While
To elapse, to pass.
Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Since
Continuously or starting from a past point.
It has been cold since November.
While
To loiter.
Since
After a time or event in the past.
I haven't seen her since the party.
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.
While
Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.
While
Until; till.
I may be conveyed into your chamber;I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
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
While
Although or despite the fact that.
While I understand your point, I disagree.
While
Used for contrasting two situations or conditions.
While it's sunny in LA, it's raining in NY.
Common Curiosities
How is "Since" used in terms of time?
It indicates from when something began, e.g., "since morning."
When should I use "While"?
Use "While" to describe simultaneous events or contrast two things.
Can "While" refer to a short period?
Yes, e.g., "Wait here for a while."
Can "While" be used for contrast?
Yes, e.g., "While I like apples, I love oranges."
Is "Since" a preposition or conjunction?
It can be both, depending on its usage in a sentence.
How can "While" show temporary actions?
E.g., "While waiting, I read a book."
Does "While" always indicate simultaneity?
Mostly, but it can also contrast or show a period of time.
What does "Since" typically indicate?
It often shows the starting point of a period or provides a reason.
Can "Since" introduce a reason?
Yes, e.g., "Since it's cold, wear a jacket."
Does "Since" always indicate the past?
Mostly, as it often marks the start of a past period.
Can "Since" be used with specific dates?
Yes, e.g., "I've known him since 2005."
Is "Since" used in causal contexts?
Yes, it can provide reasons or causes.
Can "While" contrast opinions?
Yes, e.g., "While some like it, others don't."
What's the main difference in their temporal uses?
"While" is about simultaneity, "Since" is about starting points.
How do they differ grammatically?
"While" is often a conjunction, whereas "Since" can be both a conjunction and preposition.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
