While vs. Since: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 5, 2023
"While" refers to the period during which an action occurs; "since" denotes the point in time from which an action starts.
Key Differences
“While” and “since” are both temporal conjunctions used in the English language, but they serve different purposes. “While” is primarily used to signify that two actions are occurring simultaneously, and it’s typically used with two actions in the present, past, or future continuous tenses. For instance, you can say, “She read a book while he cooked dinner,” to signify that reading a book and cooking dinner happened at the same time.
“Since” is used to represent the starting point of an action in the past and continues in the present. It’s often used with the present perfect tense to depict an action that began in the past and has relevance to or an effect on the present moment. An example is, “She has lived here since 2005,” indicating that she started living there in 2005 and continues to live there.
Both “while” and “since” are crucial in establishing a time frame for actions, but they do it in different ways. “While” indicates a concurrent duration in which two or more actions occur, without specifically defining a start or end point. It depicts overlapping time frames, showing simultaneous occurrences.
“Since,” on the other hand, specifically denotes the commencement of an action or state and is often used to establish the length of time that action or state has been in existence. It is pivotal in denoting the continuation of an action from a specific point in time to the present.
To summarize, the use of “while” and “since” is integral in depicting different aspects of time in English grammar. “While” addresses simultaneous actions during an unspecified period, and “since” points to the inception of an action, emphasizing its ongoing nature from a definite point in time to the present.
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Used for simultaneous actions.
Used to denote the starting point of an action.
Tense
Often used with continuous tenses.
Often used with perfect tenses.
Time Frame
Represents duration in which actions occur simultaneously.
Represents a point in time from which an action starts.
Type
Temporal conjunction.
Temporal conjunction.
Purpose
To depict overlapping time frames.
To depict the continuation of an action from a point in time.
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While and Since Definitions
While
Indicates simultaneous occurrence.
She studies while he plays games.
Since
For the period between a specific time and now.
She has been working here since 2000.
While
Even though or whereas.
While I understand your concern, we must proceed.
Since
Because; considering that.
Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.
While
A period or interval of time.
He fell asleep while watching TV.
Since
After a specific time in the past.
He left since noon.
While
During the time that.
Do not talk while eating.
Since
From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
While
At the same time as.
He reads while she paints.
Since
Before now; ago
A name long since forgotten.
While
A period of time
Stay for a while.
Sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Since
After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
While
The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
Since
Continuously from
They have been friends since childhood.
While
As long as; during the time that
It was lovely while it lasted.
Since
Intermittently from
She's been skiing since childhood.
While
In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Since
During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
While
And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Since
Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
While
To spend (time) idly or pleasantly
While the hours away.
Since
Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
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
From a specified time in the past.
I met him last year, but haven't seen him since.
A short/long time since
While
(US) an uncertain long period of time
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
(Philippines) an uncertain short moment
Since
Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
While
During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Since
At certain points during that period of time.
While
Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
Since
From the time that.
I have loved you since I first met you.
While
Until.
I'll wait while you've finished painting.
Since
Because.
Since you didn't call, we left without you.
While
As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
Since
(obsolete) When or that.
While
Until.
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
To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
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
(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
Since
When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
While
To elapse, to pass.
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
Alternative spelling or misspelling of wile.
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
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 a specific point in time in the past.
I haven’t seen him since Tuesday.
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
Continuously from a specific past time.
It has been raining since morning.
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.
While
To loiter.
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
FAQs
Can “while” represent more than two simultaneous actions?
Yes, “while” can be used to describe multiple actions occurring at the same time.
Can “since” be used with specific dates?
Yes, “since” is often used with specific dates, as in, “I have known her since 1995.”
Can “while” be used to denote contrast?
Yes, “while” can also denote contrast, as in, “While I like coffee, he prefers tea.”
Is “since” only used to denote time?
No, “since” can also be used to denote causation, as in, “Since it is raining, we will stay inside.”
Is “since” used with perfect continuous tenses?
Yes, “since” can be used with perfect continuous tenses to show the duration of an ongoing action, e.g., “I have been running since morning.”
Can “while” indicate a period of time?
Yes, “while” can indicate an interval or period when something occurs, e.g., “He will arrive in a while.”
Can “since” be used with a time phrase?
Yes, “since” is often used with a time phrase, e.g., “I have been working since early morning.”
Is “while” used in conditional sentences?
Yes, “while” can be used in conditional sentences, e.g., “You can go play while I finish this.”
Does “while” always require two subjects?
Typically, but not always, “while” is used to relate two different subjects performing actions simultaneously.
Can “while” be used to depict simultaneous actions in the future?
Yes, “while” can be used to depict future simultaneous actions, e.g., “I will read while you cook.”
Can “since” be used in the beginning of a sentence?
Yes, “since” can be used at the beginning of a sentence to denote time or reason.
Is “while” interchangeable with “when” in some cases?
Yes, in some cases, “while” can be interchangeable with “when,” but “while” often emphasizes simultaneity more than “when.”
Can “since” indicate a reason?
Yes, “since” can indicate a reason or cause, e.g., “Since you are not ready, we will leave without you.”
Does “since” always refer to the past?
Typically, “since” refers to a point in the past from the perspective of the present, but it can also denote causation.
Can “while” be used as a noun?
Yes, “while” can be used as a noun meaning a period or interval of time.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
