A clear explanation about the correct way to use the linking word 'meanwhile', including why it may be misused in certain sentences for young learners.
The linking word 'meanwhile' is used to talk about two actions or events that are happening at the same time but in different places or to show simultaneous time periods. For example:
In the sentence you provided: 'I would definitely go there again meanwhile, only when it's not busy.', the word 'meanwhile' is not used correctly.
This is because 'meanwhile' is implying simultaneity — events happening at the same time — but your sentence is about a condition for going there again, not about simultaneous actions.
A better way to rewrite the sentence would be:
These alternatives use linking words like 'but' or 'however' which correctly contrast the condition of the place not being busy.
Summary: Use 'meanwhile' to connect two actions happening simultaneously. Use words like 'but', 'however', or 'only if' to introduce conditions or contrasts.