What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
while
Example
I will wait here for a while until you come back. [while: noun]
Example
While I was cooking dinner, my husband was setting the table. [while: conjunction]
Example
Can you hold on for a while? I need to finish this task first. [while: adverb]
moment
Example
I'll be with you in just a moment. [moment: noun]
Example
That was the moment when I realized I had made a mistake. [moment: noun]
Example
I had a moment of clarity and decided to quit my job. [moment: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
While is a more common word than moment and is used in everyday language in a variety of contexts, while moment is less common and is often used in more formal or literary contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between while and moment?
Moment is generally considered more formal than while, and is often used in more serious or dramatic situations, while while is more neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.