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 • 3937 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.

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