Understanding the Correct Use of the Linking Word 'Meanwhile' for 13-Year-Old Students

The linking word "meanwhile" is used to show that two actions happen at the same time. It usually connects two ideas that happen simultaneously.

In the sentence you gave: "I would definitely go there again meanwhile, only when it's not busy", the word "meanwhile" is not used correctly. That’s because this sentence is not talking about two things happening at the same time.

Here’s why:

• The sentence is about going somewhere again, but only under the condition that it is not busy — there’s no other action happening at the same time.
• So, "meanwhile" doesn’t fit because it suggests simultaneous actions, which this sentence doesn’t have.

How to fix it?

You could remove "meanwhile" or replace it with words that fit better, such as "however", "but", or "only". For example:

• "I would definitely go there again, but only when it’s not busy."
• "I would definitely go there again; however, only when it’s not busy."

Both of these sentences clearly show the condition without suggesting simultaneous actions.

Summary: Use "meanwhile" when you want to connect two things happening at the same time. In this sentence, replace or remove "meanwhile" because it does not fit.