What vs. While

Attribute	What	While
Definition	Interrogative pronoun used to ask about something	Conjunction used to indicate a period of time during which something happens
Function	Asking for information or clarification	Describing an ongoing action or state
Usage	Used at the beginning of a question	Used to introduce a subordinate clause
Examples	"What is your name?"	"While I was sleeping, the phone rang."

Definition

What and while are two commonly used words in the English language, but they serve different purposes. "What" is typically used to ask questions or to refer to something specific, while "while" is used to indicate a period of time or to contrast two ideas.

Usage

When using "what," you are usually seeking information or clarification about a particular subject. For example, "What is your favorite color?" is a question that asks for a specific answer. On the other hand, "while" is used to show a relationship between two actions or events that are happening simultaneously. For instance, "I will cook dinner while you clean the dishes" indicates that both actions are happening at the same time.

Function

The function of "what" is to inquire about something or to identify a specific object or idea. It is often used at the beginning of a sentence to introduce a question or a statement. On the contrary, "while" functions as a conjunction that connects two clauses or ideas. It can also be used as a noun to refer to a period of time.

Examples

Here are some examples to illustrate the difference between "what" and "while":

• "What is your favorite movie?"
• "I will read a book while you watch TV."
• "What time is the meeting?"
• "She sang a song while he played the guitar."

Similarities

Despite their differences, "what" and "while" do have some similarities. Both words are essential parts of the English language and are used frequently in everyday communication. They can also be used to provide additional information or context in a sentence.

Differences

One key difference between "what" and "while" is their grammatical function. "What" is often used as a pronoun or determiner, while "while" is primarily used as a conjunction. Additionally, "what" is typically used to ask questions, while "while" is used to show a relationship between two actions or events.

Conclusion

In conclusion, "what" and "while" are two important words in the English language that serve different purposes. While "what" is used to ask questions or refer to specific objects, "while" is used to indicate a period of time or contrast two ideas. Understanding the differences between these two words can help improve your communication skills and clarity in writing.