while I'd been waiting I read an interesting article vs while I waited I read an interesting article

Both phrases are correct, but they convey slightly different meanings. 'While I'd been waiting, I read an interesting article' implies that the waiting happened before the reading, emphasizing the duration of the waiting period. On the other hand, 'While I waited, I read an interesting article' simply states that the waiting and reading occurred at the same time.

Last updated: March 30, 2024 • 3931 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It emphasizes the duration of the waiting period before the reading.

"while I'd been waiting I read an interesting article"

This phrase is used to indicate that the waiting occurred before the reading, highlighting the duration of the waiting period.

Examples:

While I'd been waiting for the bus, I read a book.
While I'd been studying, I heard a loud noise outside.
While I'd been cooking dinner, the phone rang.
While I'd been working on my project, my colleague arrived.
While I'd been waiting for my turn, I practiced my speech.

Show examples from the web [+]

I read an interesting article about the average time an American spends watching the Kardashian show.
I read an interesting paper on vibratory fruit harvesting from Cornell University that claimed...
Recently I read an interesting polemic article in the American newspaper New York Times (25/03/2008).
While I was on my way here, I read an article about your brother on the Internet.
There's an interesting article in my newspaper, Luis.
That is apparent from an interesting article in today's Financial Times, quoting Mr Lemierre.
Well, I read the newspapers, for instance and if it's an interesting article, I go on; if not, I skip
And while I was in rehab I read an article in The Inquirer about my being drunk.
Today there is an interesting article in Libération which asks just act and intervene only in Kosovo?
You know, it reminds me of a very interesting article I read about human trafficking in the new yorker.
I read an American book where that happened.
I read an article in a forensic journal.
I read an article by a biochemist not long ago.
I read an article on big game hunting in Africa.
Two days ago I read an article about similar cases.
I read an article about paratroopers in Life.
I read an article about this cross of theirs that got stolen.
I read an article that people with pets live longer.
I read an e-mail sent to Cyrus Beene this morning.
I read an article in Woman's Own.

Alternatives:

While I was waiting, I read an interesting article.
While I waited, I read an interesting article.
While waiting, I read an interesting article.
As I was waiting, I read an interesting article.
During the time I waited, I read an interesting article.

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English. It simply states that the waiting and reading occurred at the same time.

"while I waited I read an interesting article"

This phrase is used to indicate that the waiting and reading happened simultaneously, without emphasizing the duration of the waiting period.

Examples:

While I waited for my friend, I read a magazine.
While I waited in line, I checked my emails.
While I waited for the movie to start, I chatted with my friend.
While I waited for the meeting to begin, I reviewed my notes.
While I waited for the food to arrive, I sipped my drink.

Show examples from the web [+]

I read an interesting article about the average time an American spends watching the Kardashian show.
I read an interesting paper on vibratory fruit harvesting from Cornell University that claimed...
Recently I read an interesting polemic article in the American newspaper New York Times (25/03/2008).
While I was on my way here, I read an article about your brother on the Internet.
There's an interesting article in my newspaper, Luis.
That is apparent from an interesting article in today's Financial Times, quoting Mr Lemierre.
Well, I read the newspapers, for instance and if it's an interesting article, I go on; if not, I skip
And while I was in rehab I read an article in The Inquirer about my being drunk.
Today there is an interesting article in Libération which asks just act and intervene only in Kosovo?
You know, it reminds me of a very interesting article I read about human trafficking in the new yorker.
I read an American book where that happened.
I read an article in a forensic journal.
I read an article by a biochemist not long ago.
I read an article on big game hunting in Africa.
Two days ago I read an article about similar cases.
I read an article about paratroopers in Life.
I read an article about this cross of theirs that got stolen.
I read an article that people with pets live longer.
I read an e-mail sent to Cyrus Beene this morning.
I read an article in Woman's Own.

Alternatives:

While I was waiting, I read an interesting article.
While I'd been waiting, I read an interesting article.
While waiting, I read an interesting article.
As I was waiting, I read an interesting article.
During the time I waited, I read an interesting article.

How TextRanch works

Fast and reliable proofreading, editing, and language advice tailored to your needs.

1. Choose Your Service

Quick Text Editing

Emails and short texts
Proofreading & editing
Ready in 5-10 minutes

SUBMIT YOUR TEXT NOW

Document Editing

Documents of any type (*.docx)
Advanced & Premium editing
Ready in as little as 4 hours

UPLOAD YOUR DOCUMENT

Ask an Editor

Personalized answers to your language questions
Expert guidance on grammar, style, and usage
Ready in 24 hours

ASK YOUR QUESTION

Upload your document or paste your text directly into our platform. Your text is reviewed and refined by our expert editors (real people, not machines) who understand the nuances of English. Expect corrections, improvements, and insightful suggestions that enhance the clarity, tone, and professionalism of your writing.

3. Receive Your Polished Text

In just a few minutes (or hours for longer documents), you'll receive your corrected text. Review the changes, make any final adjustments, and confidently share your polished English with the world.
You can count on a personalized, friendly service every time you use TextRanch. We're committed to helping you make a great impression with every word you write.

We proofread and edit these types of texts and documents:

Short texts Business Emails Personal Emails Social media posts Resume and Curriculum Vitae Business documents Sales proposal Research and academic papers Thesis Dissertation Essays Articles Blog posts and much more....

Our Customers Love Us!

We have an average rating of 4.79 stars based on 283125 votes, and

4.9 Excellent - Reviews 2.137

"7 years without any disappointment. Always 100% satisfied. You guys are the best in the world at what you do. Thank you so much :)"

Zubair
from Bangladesh

"I wasn't aware of this service, it's fascinating and more reliable than standard IA tools available on the internet"

Arturo
from Mexico

"In a world of text messages and online communication, this is great to have as a live tool. Thank you."

Selena
from USA

"Wow, it's just so excellent. I never would have believed I could have a sure and excellent English companion. Thanks, TextRanch."

Ifiok
from Nigeria

"This is my first time using TextRanch, and I like how the editors take time to correct my text. To everyone who has never used TextRanch before, I highly recommend trying it."

Wilson
from France

"It is an amazing source of feedback because, as a non-native speaker, I really need to have a reliable helper correct my text."

Susan
from Germany

while I'd been waiting I read an interesting article vs while I waited I read an interesting article