TOEIC Grammar Lesson - During vs. While

What is the difference between DURING and WHILE?

There are a variety of English grammar patterns that are tested on the TOEIC® exam. Being able to distinguish between during and while is often tested in Part V and Part VI.

We use DURING followed by a noun, and that noun is generally an event

• I don't check social media during work.
• Lois doesn't let her kids watch TV during dinner

On the other hand, we use WHILE followed by a gerund or a subject and verb

• In the office, we don't check social media while working.
• Mr. Simpson likes to whistle while he is working at the computer.

👉 Keep in mind the best way to remember this grammar or any grammar or vocabulary in English is to take the word or phrase, write it in a sentence that's true for you or true in your world, and then memorize your sentences.

👉 You can even take your sentences and write them in the comments below. I would love to see your examples.

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