A while is a noun phrase.
An adverb modifies a verb. For example: I sat awhile. ... Meaning I sat a short time. Since "awhile" is modifying the verb, you could exchange it with another adverb. Like: I sat quietly.
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| My awesome daughter. :) |
The noun phrase "a while" refers to a period of time. For example: We walked for a while. You could replace the noun phrase with another one. Like: We walked for a month.
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| Still my awesome daughter. :) |
I still think it's confusing, and it will be for a while. But contemplate awhile, and maybe it will make more sense.
bwhahahaha
or not
Now I'm off to search out these words in my manuscript and make sure I used them correctly.
How about you? Do you struggle with the difference between "awhile" and "a while" ... or is it a piece of cake for you? ;)
Ummm.... OK, I think I got it. But can I sit awhile for a while?
ReplyDelete;) Mmm. Hmm.
DeleteI'm already confused! ;)
ReplyDeleteI add 'awhile' to my watchlist, one I use when doing revisions. Nice to meet you.
ReplyDeleteA "watchlist" ... what a great idea!
DeleteOh man. I struggle with these A TON. That's what my critique partners are for. Some of them are AMAZING with grammar. haha!
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend!
I do now lol. Thanks for pointing this out!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you posted about this. My editor kept changing these in my MS. hee hee., and I know she probably explaiend it but your explanation makes perfect sense to me!
ReplyDeleteYour daughter is gorgeous. :)
I think she's cute, too. :)
DeleteI didn't realize I was making mistakes with awhile and a while. Thanks for showing me the difference. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYour explanation makes perfect sense now, but I have a feeling that I'll forget after a while (sp?). I used to be a pretty good speller, but now I'm always second guessing myself, and googling different words. Thanks for making me feel like I'm not a lone (now that was on purpose)! BTW, You have a beautiful daughter.
ReplyDeleteJulie