while ≈ by?

[JACEK1]

Hello again!

I would like to say that Mr. X gained experience by/while carrying out many of his construction projects.

In my opinion, the two prepositions mean the same in the sentence.

On the one hand Mr. X gained experience by carrying out many of his construction projects.

On the other hand Mr. X gained experience while carrying out many of his construction projects.

Do you find my reasoning acceptable?

Thank you.

 

[MikeNewYork]

Well, "by" and "while" don't have the same meaning, but in this context, the end result is the same.

 

[JACEK1]

I know they do not mean the same in general. I wrote "In my opinion, the two prepositions mean the same in the sentence".

 

[Raymott]

They don't have the same meaning. What Mike is saying (I believe) is that they both convey a similar message. The hearer will not be concerned whether the experience was gained 'while' or 'by'.

In other sentences, the meaning would be significantly different, naturally.
"I learned to sing while showering".
"I learned to sing by showering".

 

[MikeNewYork]

Good example, Ray.