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

Question

"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

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.

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 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.

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.

Answer 1

while I'd been waiting I read an interesting article

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

Answer 2

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

while I'd been waiting I read an interesting article

while I waited I read an interesting article

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