while followed by verb+ing after Future simple

[Runman 222]

Hello, I was wondering if this sentence is correct . I'm going to take a bath while reading a novel. I know that we use the present simple after conjunctions while and when in future tenses but is it possible to just use a present participle ? Thank you very much in advance.

[Rover_KE]

Your sentence is correct.

Rover

[5jj]

I agree that it's correct, but it does not sound very natural to me.

[emsr2d2]

I agree that it's correct, but it does not sound very natural to me.

Nor me. However, "I'm going to read a book while taking a bath" or "I'm going to read a book in the bath" are fine.

[Barb_D]

I think it's because the bath starts, then the reading begins, then you put the book down, and then you finish your bath. So "read while I am taking a bath" sounds okay (to me).

To say "take a bath while reading" makes it sound like you have your nose in your book as you turn on the taps, get undressed, and so on.

[emsr2d2]

Yes, I agree entirely. The use of "while" is generally used by giving the activity which will take the shorter time first, and then stating a longer activity that you will be doing before, during and after the shorter one.

I'm going to read a book while having a bath.
He's going to eat his dinner while watching a film.
My brother always writes a short poem while he's eating his breakfast.

[Runman 222]

Thank you all very much for your replies. I understand the use of "while" a lot better now. Thanks again for the clarifications.

[5jj]

Thank you all very much for your replies. I understand the use of "while" a lot better now. Thanks again for the clarifications.

Sorry, Runman, we didn't notice you were a new member. Welcome to the forum.

[charliedeut]

May I point out that, IMO, books and water should not get that close to one another?

[emsr2d2]

May I point out that, IMO, books and water should not get that close to one another?

In principle, I agree with you. However, I almost always read in the bath. Worse, I frequently use my smartphone in the bath. One day, that will go badly wrong.