What's the difference between using during and while?
Jan 10, 2022
Both during and while indicate a period of time or an even in which something happens. The difference is the way that we use these words, and that usage is why we can't say during driving.
We use during followed by a noun. Usually, that noun is some kind of event that happens over time. For example, you can say during dinner, during work, during the day, during the meeting, during my childhood, etc…
- I can’t use my cell phone during work, so don't text me then.
- We don’t watch TV during dinner.
- I ate popcorn during the movie
On the other hand, we use while followed by a gerund - that's the ING VERB.
- I can’t use my cell phone while working.
- Please don’t watch TV while eating.
- While giving his speech, the presenter made several interesting points.
By the way, you can also use while followed by a subject and verb.
- I like to listen to music while I do my homework.
- While I was eating lunch, I read my book.
- You are not supposed to use your cell phone while you are working.
How about you? Why don't you leave your example sentences using during and while below? It's good practice.
