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Nokia Posted 12 years ago
Grammar

"While you are at it..."

"While you are at it..."

Does that mean "when you are in the middle of something" or "when you are doing certain thing..."?

Any examples?

Thanks.
  

Top answer

Normally it means "at the same time as doing something else". " "at it" could also mean engaged in some specific activity understood from the context. "You don't want your mother bursting in to your bedroom while you are at it with your girlfriend".

— GPY

  • Normally it means "at the same time as doing something else".
  • " "at it" could also mean engaged in some specific activity understood from the context.
  • "You don't want your mother bursting in to your bedroom while you are at it with your girlfriend".
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6 Answers
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Normally it means "at the same time as doing something else". For example, "If you're taking it apart, you may as well replace the batteries while you're at it."

"at it" could also mean engaged in some specific activity understood from the context. "You don't want your mother bursting in to your bedroom while you are at it with your girlfriend".
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It is used to ask someone to do something that is convenient because it is related to what they are doing now.

Joe is washing the car. His wife says, "While you're at it, vacuum the inside and clean out the trunk."
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The latter.

eg:
A: I'm going to buy some milk.
B: While you're at it, get some bread.

Clive
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Thank you all for your replies.
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AlpheccaStarsJoe is washing the car. His wife says, "While you're at it, vacuum the inside and clean out the trunk."
P.S.
Joe the Brit is washing the car. His wife says, "While you're at it, hoover the inside and clean out the boot."
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