Which deference between while and meanwhile?

Question

While is used to show two actions happening at the same time in one sentence (e.g., I studied while she cooked).

Meanwhile is used to connect two separate sentences or ideas happening at the same time (e.g., I studied. Meanwhile, she cooked).

Mitch · Accepted Answer

Hi Abi

You actually just explained the difference perfectly! Your explanation is 100% correct.

Let me highlight exactly why your explanation is so good, using a few simple tips to help you remember the grammar rules easily.

1. While (Connects ideas inside one sentence)

You use while to glue two actions together into a single sentence. You do not need a full stop (period) before it.

Your example: "I studied while she cooked." (Perfect!)

Another example: "The phone rang while I was taking a shower."

2. Meanwhile (Starts a new sentence)

You use meanwhile when you have finished your first thought, put a full stop, and want to start a brand new sentence to show what else is happening.

Your example: "I studied. Meanwhile, she cooked." (Perfect!)

Another example: "The train was delayed for two hours. Meanwhile, the passengers waited inside the station."

A Quick Trick to Remember:

while = a middle-of-the-sentence word (no capital letter needed).

Meanwhile, = a beginning-of-the-sentence word (needs a capital M and a comma right after it).

You already understand this perfectly. Would you like to try writing one more practice sentence using both words?

Top answer