In today’s lesson we will be looking at how to use the words “during” and “while”. These two words are often confused but after this lesson, I’m sure you’ll be able to use them correctly.
Let’s first look at the word “during”.
During is a preposition and it is used before a noun or pronoun.
You usually use “during” with and action and a time period.
Action + Time
Examples of some actions are: cheer, relax, study English
Examples of time periods are: lunch (time), my vacation, the baseball game (the time watching the game)
Let’s make some sentences…
I cheered during the baseball game.
I studied English during lunch.
I relaxed a lot during my vacation. (You can also use “on + vacation”)
Practice:
Write down 3 actions and 3 time periods and then write some sentences using during. Please write an example or two in the comment box below for extra practice.
Next let’s look at “while.”
While can be used in many ways. As a noun, adverb, or even a verb but today we will look at “while” as a conjunction, which joins two phrases together.
You use “while” here with two actions happening at the same time.
Action + Action
Actions 1: lose your wallet, chew gum, text your friend
Actions 2: drive, listen to music, snorkel in the ocean
Let’s make some sentences…
While listening to music, I like to chew gum.
In Hawaii, I lost my wallet while snorkelling in the ocean. (True story)
You shouldn’t text while driving.
Practice:
Write 4 or 5 actions down and make some sentences using while. Please write some sentences in the comment box below.
But be careful…
Make sure you use “during” and “while” with the correct part of speech. Sometimes this can be difficult. For example…
I drank soda during the game.
I drank soda while I watched the game.
Both sentences have the same meaning but in the first sentence we use “during” plus the noun “the game” which is a time period and in the second we use “while” plus the phrase “I watched the game” which is an action.
Bonus:
The word “for” is also mistaken sometimes with “during” and “while.”
The word “for” is used with a length of time like “1 hour”, “10 years” or “a long time.”
Action + length of time
Actions: watch tv, do homework, live in Tokyo
Lengths of time: 2 hours, 10 minutes, 2 years
Let’s make some sentences…
On Saturday I watched tv for 2 hours.
She only did homework for 10 minutes.
He lived in Tokyo for 2 years.
Here is a look at “during”, “while” and “for” in a short conversation.
Jim: Are you studying while watching TV?
Sarah: Yeah, it’s more fun.
Jim: I don’t think you can study well that way.
Sarah: Sure I can, I just study longer. I’ve been studying for 3 hours already.
Jim: Well, if you watch too much TV you won’t be able to sleep during the night.
Sarah: I don’t believe you because I always see you sleeping while watching baseball games on TV.
Jim: Hmmm, good point.
Quiz (Answers at the bottom)
- Don’t talk (while/during/for) the movie.
- She can sing (while/durning/for) playing the guitar.
- You shouldn’t eat (while/during/for) talking on the phone.
- I could live here (while/during/for) the rest of my life.
- Drinks are cheaper (while/during/for) happy hour.
Answers: 1. during 2. while 3. while 4. for 5. during / for
I’ve had fun while writing this lesson. I hope you will remember it for a long time 😉
Thanks for reading!
1 thought on “What’s the difference between while and during?”
Thanks for your blog, nice to read. Do not stop.