How exactly does one use the mode() function

I routinely pass parameters to mappings by simply typing them in at the beginning of a line and running the mapping which begins 'ld0'

I reasoned I could extend this principle to functions as follows:
    norm "pP0i
    sleep 1
    while mode() != "n" | sleep 1 | endwh
    norm l"ry0uu

That is the 'i' in the first 'norm' puts vim in Insert mode, and the while loop will then wait until the user presses <Esc>.  Instead, the function goes straight to completion, so either I am applying mode() incorrectly, or vim never enters Insert mode.  What am I missing?

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Graham Lawrence

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