WHICH WORD?

A WHILE or AWHILE

A writing problem.
UPDATED:  JUN 2023
  • A silly rule, but one of which you should be aware. 
  • Don't waste a lot of time studying this.

  • It's not a speaking problem. Both are pronounced the same.
  • It's a writing problem.

  • When in doubt use "a while" with a preposition.
a while (duration of time)  (use with:  "for, in")
​
  1. I will be in my office for a while Saturday morning.  Give me a call.

  2. My Manager will be out for a while, but I'm sure he will be back by 5.

  3. Have you ever been to Bangkok?

  4. Yeah.  I was there for a while when working for Google.
    ​
  5. When will the meeting begin?   In a while.
awhile  (adverb)  (short time)  (don't use with "for, in") 

  1. Don't leave.  Stay awhile and let's catch up on things.

  2. When will you finish painting the house?
    It will still be awhile.

  3. Are you hungry?
    No, I just had lunch awhile ago.