Difference Wiki

While vs. Since: What's the Difference?

Edited by Sumera Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
“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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
“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.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Usage

Used for simultaneous actions.
Used to denote the starting point of an action.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Tense

Often used with continuous tenses.
Often used with perfect tenses.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Time Frame

Represents duration in which actions occur simultaneously.
Represents a point in time from which an action starts.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Type

Temporal conjunction.
Temporal conjunction.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

Purpose

To depict overlapping time frames.
To depict the continuation of an action from a point in time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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While and Since Definitions

While

Indicates simultaneous occurrence.
She studies while he plays games.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Since

For the period between a specific time and now.
She has been working here since 2000.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

While

Even though or whereas.
While I understand your concern, we must proceed.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 22, 2023

Since

Because; considering that.
Since it’s raining, we should stay indoors.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

While

A period or interval of time.
He fell asleep while watching TV.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023
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Since

After a specific time in the past.
He left since noon.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

While

During the time that.
Do not talk while eating.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Since

From then until now or between then and now
They left town and haven't been here since.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

At the same time as.
He reads while she paints.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

Since

Before now; ago
A name long since forgotten.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

A period of time
Stay for a while.
Sang all the while. See Usage Note at awhile.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

After some point in the past; at a subsequent time
My friend has since married and moved to California.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

The time, effort, or trouble taken in doing something
The project wasn't worth my while.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Continuously from
They have been friends since childhood.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

As long as; during the time that
It was lovely while it lasted.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Intermittently from
She's been skiing since childhood.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

In spite of the fact that; although
While that guitar may look nice, it's not a very good instrument.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

During the period subsequent to the time when
He hasn't been home since he graduated.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

And on the contrary
The soles are leather, while the uppers are canvas.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Continuously from the time when
They have been friends ever since they were in grade school.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

To spend (time) idly or pleasantly
While the hours away.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Inasmuch as; because
Since you're not interested, I won't tell you about it.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

(US) an uncertain long period of time
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

(Philippines) an uncertain short moment
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Continuously during that period of time.
I have known her since last year.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

During the same time that.
He was sleeping while I was singing.
Driving while intoxicated is against the law.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

At certain points during that period of time.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Although.
This case, while interesting, is a bit frustrating.
While I would love to help, I am very busy at the moment.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

From the time that.
I have loved you since I first met you.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Until.
I'll wait while you've finished painting.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Because.
Since you didn't call, we left without you.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

As long as.
While you're at school you may live at home.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

(obsolete) When or that.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Until.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

To pass (time) idly.
I whiled away the hours whilst waiting for him to arrive
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

(transitive) To occupy or entertain (someone) in order to let time pass.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

When or that.
Do you remember since we lay all night in the windmill in St. George's field?
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

To elapse, to pass.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Alternative spelling or misspelling of wile.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

From a specific point in time in the past.
I haven’t seen him since Tuesday.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

Since

Continuously from a specific past time.
It has been raining since morning.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

To loiter.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Hence, under which circumstances; in which case; though; whereas.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

While

Until; till.
I may be conveyed into your chamber;I'll lie under your bed while midnight.
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 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
Sawaira Riaz
Apr 20, 2023

FAQs

Can “while” represent more than two simultaneous actions?

Yes, “while” can be used to describe multiple actions occurring at the same time.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can “since” be used with specific dates?

Yes, “since” is often used with specific dates, as in, “I have known her since 1995.”
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

Can “while” be used to denote contrast?

Yes, “while” can also denote contrast, as in, “While I like coffee, he prefers tea.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Harlon Moss
Sep 22, 2023

Is “while” used in conditional sentences?

Yes, “while” can be used in conditional sentences, e.g., “You can go play while I finish this.”
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

Does “while” always require two subjects?

Typically, but not always, “while” is used to relate two different subjects performing actions simultaneously.
Janet White
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.”
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 22, 2023

Can “while” be used as a noun?

Yes, “while” can be used as a noun meaning a period or interval of time.
Sara Rehman
Sep 22, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sumera Saeed
Sumera is an experienced content writer and editor with a niche in comparative analysis. At Diffeence Wiki, she crafts clear and unbiased comparisons to guide readers in making informed decisions. With a dedication to thorough research and quality, Sumera's work stands out in the digital realm. Off the clock, she enjoys reading and exploring diverse cultures.

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