"While" answer the question "when?" "While" is often used as an introductory adverbial modifier. It modifies the main subject that follows the clause. "When" can mean the same,
While + noun, + S + V ...
While a salesman, Pete has been promoted to district manager.
While a sailor, John remembered about sea for all his life.
Don't use "that" before "while".
136. "No longer"
"No longer" = not any more. "No longer" answer the question "when?"
"No longer" is often used between the auxiliary verb and the main verb.
S V(aux.) no longer V(main)
The old miner can no longer work in the mine.
The old miner no longer works.
Don't use "not" and "none" instead of "no".
137. Duration:
( HAVE + p.p ) means that the activity is extended over a period of time.
"Since" expresses when the activity began. "Since" is used before a specific time. "Since" can be used also before a quantity of time, but the word "ago" must follows. "Since" and "Since... ago" answer the question "beginning when?"
"For" expresses how long the activity has continued, and is used a quantity of time. "For" answer the question "how long?"
S + HAVE + p.p. + for + (quantity of time)
The English language has changed for 500 years.
S + HAVE + p.p. + since + (specific time)
The English language has changed since Shakespeare's time.
S + HAVE + p.p. + since + (quantity of time)+ago
The English language has changed since 500 years ago.
Don't use: "for" before specific time. Don't use: "for" with "ago". Don't use: "before" after HAVE and p.p.
138. Dates
the + ordinal_number + of + month
Valentine's day is on the fourteenth of February.
Don't use a cardinal number instead of an ordinal number. Don't omit "of" or "the".
139. Pseudo-comparatives
"As high as" and "as soon as" are adverbial idioms rather than comparisons.
"As high as" introduces a limit of height or cost.
"As high as" answer the question "how high?" or "how much? (money)"
"As soon as" introduces a limit of time.
"As soon as" answer the question "when?"
as high as
The sugar price is as high as $.20 a pound.
S will verb_word as soon as S V(present)
when
He will go as soon as he graduates.
Don't use "to" instead of "as". Don't use "will" + verb_word instead of present after "as soon as".
140. Generalization: "as a whole" and "wholely"
"as a whole" = 'generally'; often used at the beginning of a sentence or a clause.
"wholely" = 'completely'; often used after the auxiliary or main verb.
