awhile
adverb
for a short time
“Stay awhile and rest.”
Easily mixed meanings
awhile vs a while
Awhile is an adverb meaning "for a while". A while is a noun phrase (a period of time) and is the form you need after a preposition.
Quick test: After for, in, after or once, write two words: "for a while", "once in a while". Awhile already contains the "for".
a while
noun phrase
a period of time
“I waited for a while.”
Try it: which word fits?
Drop each word into the blank. The explanation tells you why one works and the other doesn't.
It has been ______ since we spoke.
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Questions about awhile vs a while
What is the difference between awhile and a while?
Awhile is an adverb meaning "for a while". A while is a noun phrase (a period of time) and is the form you need after a preposition.
How do I remember awhile vs a while?
After for, in, after or once, write two words: "for a while", "once in a while". Awhile already contains the "for".
Are there exceptions?
"For awhile" is a common error because it says "for for a while". When in doubt, two words are always grammatical if you add "for".
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Paste your own sentence and the tutor will explain which word it needs, and why.