Understanding the Usage of 'While Simultaneously' and 'While' in English
Good afternoon, everyone. Today, we are diving into understanding the nuances of the phrases 'while’ and 'while simultaneously' in English, which can often be confusing due to their similarities and differences. Stephanie at Google kindly provided a suggestion to incorporate 'while simultaneously' into a sentence for a grammatically correct example. This article elaborates on when to use these phrases and the importance of clarity in writing.
Clarifying Usage vs. Redundant Usage
First, let's differentiate between the clarifying usage and the redundant usage of these phrases. The phrase 'while simultaneously' is often considered redundant because 'while' already conveys the notion of happening at the same time. However, in some cases, adding 'simultaneously' can provide clarity or emphasize the exact timing of the actions mentioned.
Example Sentence
Stephanie suggested incorporating 'while simultaneously' into a sentence, for example:
I was writing an email ‘while simultaneously’ Kevin was watching a movie.
This sentence clarifies that both actions were happening at the same time without any additional context. However, it might be more concise to use 'while,' as in:
I was writing an email ‘while’ Kevin was watching a movie.
Both sentences convey that both actions were happening at the same time, but the version with 'while' is simpler and equally clear.
Clarifying the Differences
According to Jacquelyn Hyde, while simultaneously' introduces a redundant phrase, 'while' is sufficient when both actions are happening simultaneously. However, the relationship between 'simultaneous' and 'contemporaneous' provides clarity in certain contexts. 'Simultaneous' means happening at the exact same time, while 'contemporaneous' means happening during the same period.
Example from a Book
The passage from the book 'Thicker than Water' by Jacquelyn Hyde further clarifies these distinctions. Here is a concise explanation:
“Whilst” is often timeless, meaning it refers to a period of time rather than a specific moment. While refers to something happening at the exact same time, which is simultaneous. For instance, “I eat fish whilst you eat chips” suggests that both activities can happen at the same time, but they are not mutually dependent. On the other hand, saying “I eat fish while you eat chips” implies that the eating of fish and chips is happening at the same time and that both activities are mutually dependent.
When to Use 'While Simultaneously'
While 'while' is perfectly sufficient in many cases, there might be instances where 'while simultaneously' is necessary for clarification. For example:
While simultaneously, the author was editing the manuscript, his colleague was reviewing the proofs.
This sentence emphasizes that both actions are happening at the exact same time and in a coordinated manner, which might not be clear with just 'while.'
Conclusion
Understanding the usage of 'while' and 'while simultaneously' can enhance the clarity and precision of your writing. While most of the time, 'while' is sufficient to convey that two actions are happening at the same time, incorporating 'simultaneously' can provide additional clarity in specific contexts. By mastering these nuances, you can avoid redundancies and write more effectively.