What’s the difference between while and during?

While and during featured image
Have you ever made a mistake using "while" or "during?" If you're like most English learners, you probably have. Today let's looks at the difference and how to use them. Let's go!

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”)

relaxing in a hammok

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.

eating 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.”

hour glass

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)

  1. Don’t talk (while/during/for) the movie.
  2. She can sing (while/durning/for) playing the guitar.
  3. You shouldn’t eat (while/during/for) talking on the phone.
  4. I could live here (while/during/for) the rest of my life.
  5. 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!

Shaun Munro

Shaun Munro

Shaun Munro has been successful in helping people communicate better in English for almost 20 years.  It has been a long journey, with many successes and many challenges.  Read about his amazing story here.  If you would like to send Shaun a quick message, please visit his contact page here.

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