Often used interchangeably in writing...well, not anymore!
DO NOT USE when NOT referring to time—they are time words—the name says it all!
WHILE: two things are happening at the same time
When reference is not time - Use ALTHOUGH/ WHEREAS
e.g.
Instead of: While diabetes is often attributed to genetic causes, unhealthy lifestyle is now recognized as a major precipitating factor.
Use: Although/ Whereas diabetes is often attributed to genetic causes, unhealthy lifestyle is now recognized as a major precipitating factor.
Appropriate use of WHILE
e.g. While COVID-19 primarily affects the respiratory system, its effect on several other organ systems is also very evident.
SINCE: two things are happening one after another
When reference is not time - Use BECAUSE/ DUE TO
e.g.
Instead of: We interpret that the anti-viral effect of the protein is compromised since the expression of the gene is downregulated.
Use: We interpret that the anti-viral effect of the protein is compromised due to the downregulated expression of the gene.
Appropriate use of SINCE
e.g. We haven't faced problems of contamination in cell cultures since the fumigation was done.
AS: two things are happening at the same time (similar to WHILE, usage changes in context to the sentence)
When reference is not time - Use BECAUSE
Instead of: The data was not reliable as the sample size had not been statistically calculated.
Use: The data was not reliable because the sample size had not been statistically calculated.
Appropriate use of AS
e.g. The PCR run finished just as the incubation time for the assay was about to end.
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