一、While作为并列连词,意思为“而,然而”,表前后意义上的对比或转折。
例如:There’s plenty of rain in the southeast,while there's little in the northeast.东南部雨量充足,而西北部则很少下雨。
Some people waste food while others haven't enough.有些人浪费粮食,然而有些人却吃不饱。
二、另外while还有别的用法,while引导状语从句,有以下两种含义:
1.表示某个动作正在进行的同时,另一动作也在进行之中,这时主从句都用进行时态,有对同类的两个动作进行对比的意味.如:
While I was playing the piano,she was dancing.我在弹钢琴,她在跳舞.
While Jim is picking apples,Kate is carrying apples to the truck.吉姆正在摘苹果,凯特正在把苹果搬到卡车上去.
2.表示某个动作正在进行时,又发生了另一动作(该动作用一般过去时).如:
While I was reading,I fell asleep.我读着读着就睡着了.
While we were swimming in the river,we saw a fish jump out of the water.我们正在河中游泳时,看见一条鱼跃出了水面.
三、while还有以下几种常见用法:
1.只要(=as long as)
There will be life while there is water and air.只要有空气和水,就会有生命.
2.而;然而〔表示对比〕
He is a driver while I'm a teacher.他是司机,而我是老师.
3.虽然(=although);尽管〔表示让步〕
While I see what you say,I can't agree with you.虽然我能理解你说的话,但是我不能同意你.
4.用作名词,表示“一会儿或一段时间”,常与a,the或this等连用.如:
Just wait a while and then