During vs For: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
During" indicates being within an event, while "for" specifies its duration.
Memory Tip: during = inside an event, for = length of time
during starts with /d/, for starts with /f/
during /ˈdʒʊərɪŋ/
prepositionAt the same time as something else happens.
Example:
I read a book during the bus ride to school.
Common patterns:
during the day
during the week
for /fɔr/
prepositionUsed to indicate the purpose or recipient of something.
Example:
We are going to stay in Paris for a week.
Common patterns:
for + noun
for + verb-ing
Common Mistakes
I read a book for the meeting.
I read a book during the meeting.
"During" is used because the reading happened within the time frame of the meeting.
She stayed awake during five hours.
She stayed awake for five hours.
"For" is used because it specifies the duration of time she stayed awake.
Quick Practice
0/2 correct1. I read a book ____ the bus ride to school.
2. We are going to stay in Paris ____ a week.
Other Confusing Words
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