During vs While: What's the Difference?
What's the Difference?
During" is used with a noun, while "while" is used with a clause.
Memory Tip: during = noun follows, while = sentence follows
during /ˈdʒʊərɪŋ/
prepositionAt the same time as something else happens.
Example:
I read a book during the train ride to work.
Common patterns:
during the day
during the week
while /waɪl/
conjunctionat the same time that something else happens
Example:
I like to listen to music while I cook dinner.
Common patterns:
during the time that
at the same time as
while
nounA "while" is a period of time during which something happens.
Example:
I like to listen to music while I cook dinner.
Common patterns:
for a while
wait a while
all the while
Common Mistakes
I listened to music while the meeting.
I listened to music during the meeting.
"During" is used with the noun "the meeting."
She read a book during she was waiting.
She read a book while she was waiting.
"While" is used with the clause "she was waiting."
Quick Practice
0/3 correct1. I read a book ____ the train ride to work.
2. I like to listen to music ____ I cook dinner.
3. I like to listen to music ____ I cook dinner.
Other Confusing Words
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