The words for, during, and while can all be used to talk about time. Their meanings can be similar and easy to confuse. In this blog post, I’ll explain the difference and show you the grammar rules for using these three words with lots of natural examples. Keep reading.
| FOR – is used with a period of time to show how long something happens |
| “I waited at the restaurant for one and a half hours.” |
| DURING – is used with a time to say when something happens |
| “I took some great photos during my trip.” |
| WHILE – shows when something happens at the same time as something else is happening |
| “I fell asleep while I was watching TV.” |
*During and While have similar meanings but they are used with different grammar.
During is used with nouns and While is used with a subject and a verb.
Table of Contents
- For During and While Definitions
- What is the difference between for and during?
- What is the difference between during and while?
- How do I use during?
- Quiz
- Audio
- For During and While Infographic
For – meaning
There are many ways to use the preposition for. Here’s the meaning that is related to time and sometimes confused with the words during and while.
FOR – preposition – used to show a length of time
FOR is sometimes used with a period of time to show how long something happens
・“I lived in Tokyo for 11 years.”
During – meaning
During is also a preposition that is used to say when something happens.
DURING – preposition – all through a period of time
During is followed by a noun.
・ “I was so tired. I fell asleep during the movie.”
While – meaning
While is a conjunction so the grammar is different than during but the meaning is similar.
WHILE – conjunction – during the time that something is happening; at the same time as something else is happening
While is followed by a subject and a verb.
・“I fell asleep while I was watching the movie.”
What is the difference between for and during?
| FOR is used to show how long something happens. ・”I stayed in Hawaii for 10 days.” |
| DURING is used to show when something happens. ・”I watched 2 movies during the flight to Hawaii.” |
Compare these examples and please notice that for is followed by an amount of time and during will be followed by a noun or a noun phrase.
- I studied math for 2 hours last night.
- I fell asleep during math class.
More examples with FOR and DURING:
- Eric has been busy for the last 3 weeks, he hasn’t had much free time.
- Eric is busy during the week, he doesn’t have much free time.
I waited for 40 minutes because the bus was late. I played games on my smartphone during that time.
What is the difference between during and while?
| DURING is used with a noun or noun phrase. ・I watched 2 movies during the flight to Hawaii.” |
| WHILE is used with a subject and a verb. ・I watched 2 movies while I was flying to Hawaii.” |
We use the words during and while to explain when something happens, but how we use these words is different.
As we read above during is a preposition and while is a conjunction.
The preposition during will be followed by a noun.
“I fell asleep during math class.”
Math class is the noun in the sentence. (Math class is a noun phrase, the noun math becomes an adjective when it describes the noun class. When nouns are paired with other nouns the first noun will become an adjective describing the use or purpose of the second noun. For example a pair of tennis shoes, a winter hat etc.)
The conjunction while will be followed by a subject and a verb.
“I fell asleep while my math teacher was talking.”
The subject of this sentence is my math teacher. The verb in this sentence is the past continuous tense verb was talking.
More examples with DURING and WHILE:
- We brought some sandwiches to eat during the long train ride. (The long train ride is a noun phrase.)
- We brought some sandwiches to eat while we were on the train. (We is the subject and were is the verb.)
With time expressions, you can use IN instead of DURING to give the same message.
It is very humid during the summer.
It is very humid in the summer.
Using IN is the most natural in these examples.
I will have time to meet you during the afternoon. ( Not natural)
I will have time to meet you in the afternoon. (Natural)
Donny likes to go grocery shopping during the morning before the store gets busy. (Not natural)
Donny likes to go grocery shopping in the morning before the store gets busy. (Natural)
We don’t use in when we use the noun time or to talk about a trip or a vacation. During is the best fit when we talk about these things.
I made many new friends during my time in Australia.
I made many new friends during my trip to Australia.
I made many new friends during my holiday in Australia.
Where do we use while?
Here are some common examples where it’s natural to use while.
- Why don’t you come with me to the mall? You can get a haircut while I go shopping.
- While you’re out the sales manager called. He wants to talk to you.
- Everyone went to the movies while Jim stayed home to study for his exam.
- Kevin asked me to watch his apartment while he’s in Italy.
FOR, DURING, and WHILE quiz
During Vs. While AUDIO
Audio transcript here
Conclusion
A blog is great because people can study anywhere, anytime with their smartphones. My students like to study this blog during their train ride to work. They can study for 20 or 30 minutes while they commute. Write your own comment below using this grammar!
SoundCloud audio transcript
We use the words during and while to explain when something happens.
I fell asleep during math class.
I fell asleep while my math teacher was talking.
These examples have the same meaning, but the words during and while are used with different grammar.
During is a preposition that means – at some point in a period of time
I fell asleep during math class.
While is a conjunction that means – during the time that something is happening
I fell asleep while my math teacher was talking.
Grammar
During is used with nouns.
I fell asleep during math class.
Roger ate too much during his vacation.
While is used with a subject and a verb.
I fell asleep while my math teacher was talking.
Roger ate too much while he was on vacation.
Here are some more natural examples.
We brought some sandwiches to eat during the long train ride. (The long train ride is a noun phrase.)
We brought some sandwiches to eat while we were on the train. (The subject we and the verb were come after the word while.)
Now With time expressions, you can use in to give the same message.
For example:
I will have time to meet you during the afternoon.
I will have time to meet you in the afternoon.
Using [in] for this example is the most natural for me.
Donny likes to go grocery shopping in the morning before the store gets busy. (Natural)
Donny likes to go grocery shopping during the morning before the store gets busy. (Also okay.)
To talk about an amount of time we can’t use during, we need to use for.
She waited during 3 hours. – is incorrect
She waited for 3 hours. – is perfect.
A blog is great because people can study anywhere, anytime with their smartphones. My students like to study this blog during their train ride to work. They study while they commute.
For During and While Infographic
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We can use “while” to talk about time and to talk about a repeated action. While is a conjunction that means at the same time as or during. You’ll see here example sentences with while.
- While the children were playing outside, a fire broke out.
- While you’re waiting for the bus, you can watch people.
- While some students can write well, others need more practice.
- I’m going to study while you’re gone.
- While we were talking, someone came into the room and started talking loudly on their cell phone.
- While it may be inconvenient at times, it’s still important to maintain relationships with others to succeed in life.
- While driving down the street, he saw an accident and had to stop his car immediately.
- While studying, my phone rang, and I answered it without looking at who was calling me.
- While the book was good, it wasn’t as good as I had hoped.
- While away, your dog got into the trash can and ate all of your garbage.
- While he was working on his computer, he heard a knock at the door and went to answer it.
- While walking down the street, a man came up behind her and grabbed her purse from her shoulder.
- While talking to my friend on the phone, my cat started meowing at me for food, so I put him off for a moment.
- While the weather is nice, I will go to the beach.
- I have been working on this project while you were away.
- While he was taking a shower, I cleaned up the kitchen.
- While she was sick, she didn’t go to work for a month.
- While we are waiting for our food to arrive, do you mind if I tell you a story?
- While talking on the phone, he suddenly hung up without saying goodbye! What an asshole!
- While watching TV in my room, someone knocked at my door.
- While I was waiting for my hair to dry, I decided to write a letter.
- While he was eating dinner, he heard a knock at the door.
- Since we had already eaten dinner and there was no food in the house, we went out for ice cream while we were waiting for the pizza delivery man.
- While you were sleeping, I made breakfast.
- While eating my lunch, my phone rang, and my friend wanted to meet up for coffee after work today.
- While you were at work, I cleaned up the house and did your laundry because I knew you’d be tired when you came home.
- While running errands, he went into her room and snooped around her closet, looking for anything he could use against her if they broke up.
- While walking through Central Park last weekend, we spotted a bird that looked like a peacock but had blue feathers instead of green ones; it was strange indeed.
- While we were eating dinner at home last night, our phone rang, and it was our friend who wanted us to come over tonight so we could talk about his business ideas.
- While he was away, his wife had a baby boy.
- While we were discussing the matter, the doorbell rang.
- While eating lunch, my brother came in and sat beside me.
- While you were out of town on vacation, your sister took over as president of your company.
- While sleeping, his dog jumped on him and woke him up because he wanted to go outside and play with him in the backyard.
- While she was sleeping in her bedroom after having a long day at work, her husband snuck into their bedroom with flowers and chocolates.
- While the rich get richer, the poor get poorer.
- While we were waiting for our order to be ready, we made small talk with our waiter.
- While waiting for your computer to boot up, you can check your email or surf the web.
- While she was talking on the phone, her daughter was texting someone.
- While we were driving through town, I noticed that a lot of stores were closed for good.
- While waiting for your food at a restaurant, do you ever look around and wonder what other people are having?
- While walking around town this summer, try to notice all the people there!
- While writing this article, my dog kept me company by sleeping on my lap.
- While it was raining, I decided to go for a walk in the park.
- While studying at university, I could not find time to do any extra-curricular activities.
- While driving on the highway, you should always be careful of other drivers who may be driving faster than you.
- While I was asleep, the rain stopped.
- While the book was on the table, John moved it to the shelf.
- While waiting for his mother, his son ran into the room and hugged him tightly.
- While reading this article, my brother came in and asked me to go out with him and his friends tonight.
- While waiting for your food to arrive at the table, you can look at the menu or read a newspaper or magazine that might be available at your table.
- While driving home from work last night, we saw a deer standing right next to our car on the freeway!
- While the book was excellent, it didn’t make us want to read more.
- While he was away on business, I had to take care of the kids alone.
- While waiting for my test results, I started worrying about the worst-case scenario.
- There is a lot of traffic while driving downtown Chicago; it’s hard to get anywhere fast.
- While you were sleeping, I was working.
- I was reading the newspaper while he was watching TV.
- She’s coming home from work while I’m going out for dinner.
- While I was watching TV, my friend called me.
- While she was making tea, her husband went to the market.
- While bathing in the river, a crocodile attacked him and ate him.
- While we were spending our vacation at Kanyakumari beach, we met our old classmates.
- While talking to my friend on the phone, my father entered the room and asked me what had happened.
- While the situation is under control, we can’t afford to relax.
- While it is not necessary to be brilliant at everything, it is important to be able to recognize brilliance in others.
- While I was out of town, my cousin took care of my dog.
- While he was away on business, I moved into his house and made myself at home.
- While I admire his courage, I also fear he is reckless and impulsive.
- While this may seem like a small matter, it has bigger implications for our future as a company.
- While I’m sure you have many questions about this situation, let me assure you that we’ll explain everything soon enough.
- While the house was burning down around them, they continued arguing over who was responsible for starting the fire in the first place.
- I will buy a car while I am in college.
- While it is raining, we will not go to the beach.
- While eating dinner, they talked about their day at school.
- While in college, I will study hard and get good grades to get a good job when I graduate.
- While doing your homework tonight, please turn off the TV and go to bed early so that you won’t be tired tomorrow morning when you have to wake up early for school.
- While visiting us in California, we want you to have fun and enjoy yourself as much as possible.
- While she was on vacation with her family in Florida last summer, they went swimming every day at the beach near their hotel room.
- While the police were arresting the suspect, he resisted arrest.
- While I was getting ready for work, I heard my phone ring.
- While you are away, your children will be well cared for by their grandparents.
- While he was away on business, his wife was lonely and bored at home with nothing to do but clean the house and take care of the children.
- While in New York, I went to the top of the Empire State Building.
- While you were gone, we did some spring cleaning and organized your closet.
- While we’re on this subject: do you want to go out for dinner tonight, or should we order?
- While I’m at it, let me ask you another question: can I borrow your car for a few days next week? I’ll bring it back as soon as I’ve finished with it.
- While many people are uneducated about the topic, it is not true that all women want to be mothers.
- While most people do not like to admit it, we all have flaws and cannot be perfect.
- While some believe that money can buy happiness, others believe it is more important to develop good relationships with other people.
- While there are many reasons for this change in attitude, the main reason is that more people are becoming concerned about their health and exercise regularly as a result of advertising campaigns encouraging them to do so.
- While the other girls were happy to spend their time shopping and gossiping, I preferred to spend my time reading and studying.
- While some people are gifted with great physical beauty, others must work hard to achieve it through exercise and dieting.
- While business owner needs to be aware of the latest trends in marketing, they also need to consider whether they can afford such innovations or not.
- While many websites will help you learn how to play the guitar, there are still some things you need to know before learning how to play it yourself.
- While my mother was cooking dinner, I was watching TV.
- While he was studying in the library, she was exercising at home.
- While it was snowing outside, I stayed home and read a book.
- While they were talking on the phone, I took a walk by myself.
- While waiting in line at the grocery store, my husband went to get us some snacks.
- While camping in the mountains, it started raining and snowing, so we had to go home early without even having time to build our fire or roast marshmallows.
- While sleeping last night, I cleaned up your room and made your bed because you had left it messy again.
- While driving down the street on his bike, he suddenly fell off and hurt badly, so he had to go to the hospital immediately.
- While he was away, his wife gave birth to twins.
- While in the hospital, her husband took care of their baby son.
- While at school, their mother baked cookies for their afternoon snack.
- Although he had never driven a car before, he tried to learn how to drive while his father was asleep in the front seat next to him.
- As I was walking home from school yesterday, I saw a big dog sleeping on someone’s lawn while its owner was watering plants in their garden.
- My dad jogs every morning at 6 AM while listening to music on his iPod shuffle.
- While the storm raged outside, we sat in front of a warm fire.
- I’m going to learn while I’m away from home.
- While I was gone, my brother cleaned the house and washed all the dishes.
- While the children slept, their parents went out on a date.
- There are many things to do while you’re in towns, such as visiting museums and concerts.
- While I was in the store, I saw a beautiful dress.
- I don’t know what to do while waiting for the bus.
- It is scorching outside while I am writing this letter.
- While you were sleeping last night, there was a terrible storm outside our house.
- While reading a book, my brother entered my room and started playing with my toys.
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More to read
- Sentences with Will and Won’t
- Sentences with Would
- Sentences with USED TO
- Imperative Sentences
- Simple Sentences Examples
- What are simple sentences?
- Sentences with However
- Sentences with Semicolon
- Sentences bout Nature
- Sentences with Will Have
What’s the difference between the subordinate conjunctions when and while?
When & While: The Short Answer
In some sentences, you can use either without a great change in meaning. Generally, if you want to focus on an action that has a duration being in progress, use a while + a progressive tense.
While I was washing the dishes, my wife came home.* (Washing the dishes has a duration, e.g. 4 minutes.)
(*Note you can also use when here, but as a general rule, while is suitable.)
In other cases when you don’t need to emphasize that an action was in progress or the action is short and without a significant duration, use when and a simple tense.
When it started to rain, we went inside. (The action started is short; it is not something in progress).
When it started to rain, we went inside.
Here are some tips on the use of these two conjunctions.
Tip #1: Use a Progressive (Continuous) Tense with While to Show Focus
Progressive tenses use the BE verb + a verb in ~ing form.
While I was cooking dinner, the phone rang.
I will be sleeping at 11:00 p.m. tonight, so don’t phone me.
We use while to focus on an action happening at a specific time. Therefore, the most natural verb tense to use is a progressive tense, which shows that an action is in progress at a certain time.
It is common to use while with actions happening at a specific time (e.g. at 11 p.m.). Also, we use while to show that a shorter action (usually in the past simple, e.g. the phone rang) happened during as a longer action (usually in past progressive, e.g. I was cooking dinner). Often this shorter action interrupts the longer action.
A sensible rule is to use while with the progressive tenses and when with the simple tenses.
Tip #2: Use While with Actions that have a Limited Duration
- When I was a child, I played soccer. (Correct)
- While I was a child, I played soccer. (Not natural)
Why is #2 not natural? Well, when an action is too long (e.g. I was a child), we lose focus. The period of twelve years when you were a child is too long to use a progressive tense. We don’t use ‘while’ to talk about long periods of our lives. Instead, we use when and past simple. There’s another reason.
Tip #3: Use While with Action Verbs
Also, «While I was a child» is unnatural because the BE verb (was a child) is a state verb. State verbs are not action verbs (e.g. jump, kick, shower, drink). Instead, state verbs describe states or conditions (e.g. BE, live, understand, know, exist). We do not use progressive tenses with state verbs. As a result, we generally don’t use while with state verbs.
Compare:
While she was driving, I played with the radio. (Natural)
This is correct. Driving is an action verb and the action is limited in duration. In other words, driving is a short activity that has a clear start and end.
While When I lived in my hometown, my mother made me dinner. (While is not natural)
Live is a state verb, and also, the action of living in my hometown probably had a duration of 18 years. This is too long to focus on.
Exception: Focusing on a Verb in Progress
You could use while with a state verb like ‘live’ if you really want to focus on the fact that an action was in progress at a specific time. For example:
While I was living in India, there was a big earthquake.
Although it would probably be more common to use When I lived in India, this sentence is correct. The speaker chooses to use ‘While’ + present progressive’ to focus on an action being in progress (living) when another action happened.
Remember: While Means an Action Had a Start and an End (a Duration)
If a sentence uses while, it suggests that the action happened over a period of time. Here’s are two better examples to show what I mean:
When the phone rang, I was making lunch.
The longer action (making lunch) was happening when a shorter action happened (phone rang).
Key question: How many times did the phone ring? Because we’re using when, we don’t know. The use of when doesn’t suggest it was an ongoing action. The phone may have rang once and stopped.
While the phone was ringing, I was making lunch.
How many times did the phone ring here? More than once. Because we are using While + present progressive, we are focusing on duration. This means that the action (ring) happened over a period of time that had a start and end. When we say ‘the phone was ringing’ in the progressive, we are saying that this happened for some time. (Thanks to Clive at Englishforums for this point.)
While vs. When: In Conclusion
We can conclude the following:
- To emphasize (focus) that an action was in progress at a specific time, use while + a progressive tense ( = While I was eating, …)
- Otherwise, use when + a simple tense. (= When I ate, …)
- Verbs with while have a duration. The period of the verb cannot be too long or we lose focus. (= While I was a child = When I was a child)
- Progressive tenses use action verbs, so use while with an action verb (While I was dancing) and not a state verb (While I was hungry)
I hope these ideas have been useful. Remember, these are general tips (not fixed rules). There will be exceptions depending on what the speaker wants to emphasize. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below.
— Matthew Barton / Creator of Englishcurrent.com
The word “while” has several uses in the English language, and all of them are pretty useful. Not only is it a noun, but it’s also a fairly common conjunction that you probably use already. Here’s a breakdown of all the most common ways to use this word.
- A long time
- At the same time as
- Whereas, although
- Other usages
A LONG TIME
The easiest way to use the word “while” is as a synonym for “a period of time,” usually a long period of time. The usage is pretty straightforward, but there are some common phrases you might be familiar with. Here are some examples:
A while ago
(A long time ago)
- We used to hang out sometimes, but that was a while ago.
- Where have you been? The event started a while ago.
You can also use the phrase “a while back,” which means the same thing.
- We used to hang out sometimes, but that was a while back.
It’s been a while
(It’s been a long time). Usually this phrase can be used with the word “since” after it. You can also say when you see a person you haven’t seen in a long time.
- It’s been a while since I visited that neighborhood.
- Hey! How are you? It’s been a while.
Once in a while
(Every now and then; here and there)
- My grandma emails me once in a while to stay in touch.
- “How often do you practice piano?” “Only every once in a while.”
To take a while
(To take a long time). You can use this phrase if something requires or uses up a lot of time.
- It takes a while to get from Albuquerque to Phoenix, so get ready for a road trip.
- Justin always takes a while in the shower. Doesn’t he know that wastes water?
- Sorry, it took me a while to understand what you were saying.
After a while
(After a long time)
- After a while, the plant finally started to sprout.
- I tried to stay awake in class, but I started to nod off after a while.
For a while
(For a long time)
- I lasted for a while in the marathon, but I eventually had to walk most of it.
- If you’re free, why don’t you stay here for a while?
An alternative to this phrase is the word “awhile.” Although this word is often confused with the words “a while,” this conjoined word can only be used to mean “for a while.”
- I lasted awhile in the marathon, but I eventually had to walk most of it.
Although “while” is typically used in these cases as a noun alone, you can also use the words “long” or “short” to modify it. For example, a “long while” would mean a very long period of time, while a “short while” would mean a shorter period of time.
- It took a long while for us to finally get ready to leave the house.
- It’ll only be a short while until the game starts.
AT THE SAME TIME AS
Although the usage of “while” as a noun is common, it might be even more common, or at least more conventional, to use it as a conjunction. In this case, the word actually has two usages. The first is to connect two clauses together with the meaning of “at the same time as.” Here’s an example:
- We all gathered into the room while the game was playing.
(We all gathered into the room at the same time as the game was playing.)
The order of these clauses can also be reversed:
- While the game was playing, we all gathered into the room.
If the subject of both clauses is the same, then it can be omitted in the “while” clause, and the verb can be changed into a participle. For example:
- I usually listen to music while doing my homework.
(I usually listen to music while I do my homework.)
Notice that while the main clause is in the simple aspect (“gathered”), the subordinate clause is in the progressive aspect (“was playing”). This is usually required when using the word “while,” because one action is happening during the duration of another. If both clauses are in the simple aspect, it’s much more common to use the word “when”. For example:
- We all gathered into the room when the game began.
(We all gathered into the room at the same time as the game began.)
However, the “while” clause doesn’t always have to be in the progressive aspect. Instead, the verb can be replaced with a “to be + adj.” construction. For example:
- Nothing much has changed while you were away.
Here are some common formulas for using “while” with different tenses.
PAST TENSE
[Simple past] + [while + progressive past]
- Sorry, I lost my train of thought while you were talking.
- While we were waiting for the bus, it started to rain.
- I found my keys while searching the house.
PRESENT TENSE
[General present] + [while + general present]
- What do you usually do while you’re at work?
- I usually get so bored while I watch movies. I can’t stay awake.
IMPERATIVE
[Imperative] + [while + general present] or something with a similar meaning.
- Watch the dog while I’m out shopping.
- Could you watch the dog while I’m out shopping?
- I want you to watch the dog while I’m out shopping.
PRESENT PERFECT TENSE
[Present perfect] + [while + present perfect / adjective]
- Everything has gotten easier while she’s been working here.
- What have you learned while you were at school today?
- What have you been up to while I was gone?
FUTURE TENSE
[Future] + [while + present]
- Where will you go while you’re in Montreal?
- I think I’m going to stay inside while it rains.
WHEREAS, ALTHOUGH
The other use of “while” as a conjunction to create a sort of “on one hand…on the other hand” construction in order to contrast two things. For example:
- Matt likes horror movies, while Kaitlin prefers thrillers.
(On one hand, Matt likes horrors movies. On the other hand, Jessica prefers thrillers.)
The construction can also be reversed:
- While Kaitlin prefers thrillers, Matt likes horror movies.
In this case, “while” means the same thing as words such as “whereas,” “although,” or “even though.” In most cases, you can simply replace these words with “while.”
- Even though Kaitlin hates horror movies, she went to see one with Matt.
While Kaitlin hates horror movies, she went to see one with Matt.
- Although the weather has been terrible lately, the past couple of days haven’t been bad.
While the weather has been terrible lately, the past couple of days haven’t been bad.
- I worked hard on the project, whereas my partners didn’t contribute much.
I worked hard on the project, while my partners didn’t contribute much.
OTHER USAGES
Whilst
The word “whilst” also exists, and if you’re confused about the difference between that and “while,” don’t be. The meanings of both are essentially the same. The only difference is that “whilst” can only be used as a conjunction. It is also considered to be more formal and therefore used less often. So when speaking, it’s safest to stick with “while.”
Meanwhile
The word “meanwhile” has a very similar meaning to “while,” except it is an adverb and therefore cannot directly link two clauses. It means “at the same time” or “in the intervening time.”
- I heard Japan’s been having a lot of storms lately. Meanwhile, we’re experiencing a drought here.
- I’m assigning you to work at the soundboard for now. Meanwhile, people will cover your position backstage.
This word can also be used in general to switch to another thought. In this case, it’s similar to the phrase “anyway” or “by the way.”
- I’ve been working all today—it makes me exhausted. Meanwhile, what have you been up to?
- Megan’s busy, so she can’t hang out. Meanwhile, what do you think Claire is up to?
Worthwhile
The word “worthwhile” comes from the phrase “worth the while,” although in my opinion, the word “worthwhile” has become much more common. If something is “worthwhile,” it basically means that it is “worth it,” or, in other words, valuable and rewarding. Since “while” can also mean a period of time, you can think of it as “worth one’s time.”
- I know this book is boring, but trust me—it’s worthwhile.
- Orientation week is a worthwhile process for any incoming student.
Говоря о времени, мы можем использовать много разных предлогов и с их помощью обозначать определенный период или указывать на точность или пунктуальность. Поговорим об этих предлогах подробнее.
For – during — while
Как вы помните, for – это сигнал для Present Perfect и Present Perfect Continuous, т.е этот предлог обозначает промежуток времени:
I haven’t seen you for ages. — Я не видел тебя целую вечность.
We have been living there for ten years. — Мы жили здесь в течение десяти лет.
Однако for может использоваться и с другими временами:
Are you going back home for the weekend? — Ты собираешься вернуться домой на выходные?
После предлога during используется имя существительное, при этом длительность, действия как правило, неизвестно:
Many people were killed during the war. — Во время войны много людей были убиты.
We often ski during the winter. — Во время зимы мы часто катаемся на лыжах.
Если действия происходят одновременно, то для одного из них необходим предлог while. Т.е. с этим предлогом используется не промежуток времени, а новое предложение:
While they were sleeping, it started to snow. — Пока они спали, пошел снег.
You can go for a walk, while I’m having lunch. — Ты можешь прогуляться, пока я обедаю.
In time – on time
Если что-то случилось вовремя, согласно графику или расписанию, говорите on time:
The lecture starts at 10 o’clock. Please, come on time. — Лекция начинается в десять. Приди вовремя, пожалуйста.
The performance didn’t begin on time. — Представление не началось вовремя.
Если речь идет о чем-то, что мы успели сделать или сделали не позже какого-то срока, другими словами — своевременно, нужно использовать in time:
They were unable to respond in time. — Они не смогли ответить своевременно.
We went to the airport in time. The check-in just started. — Мы приехали в аэропорт вовремя. Регистрация только началась.
Задания к уроку
Задание 1. Выберите правильный вариант.
- I’ll be away (while/ for /during) two weeks.
- Dad was watching the news (while/ for /during) Mom was in the bathroom.
- He studied music (while/ for /during) he lived in Rome.
- They’ve been waiting (while/ for /during) two hours.
- I’ve translated for some professors (while/ for /during) the conference.
- Someone broke into our house (while/ for /during) we were asleep.
- Please, stay seated (while/ for /during) the performance.
- I’m going to stay at granny (while/ for /during) a few days.
Задание 2. Дополните in или on.
- The buses here always come … time.
- I hope to come home … time for dinner.
- They escaped from the burning house just … time. It fell down in a minute.
- I hope the parcel will come … time for Christmas.
- Your birthday present arrived just … time.
- The plane landed … time.
- Our teacher always comes … time.
- You’ve called … time! We were thinking about buying the presents.
Ответ 1.
- for
- while
- while
- for
- during
- while
- during
- for
Ответ 2.
- on
- in
- in
- in
- in
- on
- on
- in
You’d be surprised to learn that there aren’t rules in English that tell us we can’t start sentences with particular words. This is a common myth in schools, but we can use just about any word in the right context. This article will look at starting a sentence with while.
You can start a sentence with “while” when it’s part of the first dependent clause. We can use this to talk about something that is happening at the same time as something else. It usually means that something happens despite another thing occurring.
Generally, the two clauses that we use in sentences that start with “while” will contradict each other. They will add different groups of information to the overall sentence to help us understand what someone is doing or saying:
- While there isn’t much to do in this town, I still have a lot of fun here.
As you can see, we can use the first clause starting with “while” to come up with contradicting information before the second clause.
What Does “While” Mean At The Beginning Of A Sentence?
“While” means that the first piece of information we provide in a sentence works in spite of the second piece of information. Usually, the two pieces of information will work against each other, even though they’re both valid and correct statements.
We don’t just have to use “while” at the start of a sentence as part of a dependent clause, but it works well when we want to emphasize the contradiction. To show you what we mean, look at the two examples that follow:
- While he was out of town, I made sure that the locals wouldn’t miss him.
- I made sure that the locals wouldn’t miss him while he was out of town.
These sentences are identical. However, the dependent clause is moved around between them. We can choose to use “while” at the start of the sentence, like in the first example, when we want to emphasize the contradicting information before anything else.
Examples Of How To Use “While” At The Beginning Of A Sentence
Here are some more examples to help you wrap your head around using “while” to start a sentence.
- While you were at home lazing around, I got to work on a few things that I’m proud I completed.
- While there wasn’t much here for me to salvage, I did my best with the limited tools I had.
- While you were out getting drunk all night, I looked after your mother because she was poorly.
- While the dogs bark throughout the night, my cat stays calm and sleeps next to me.
- While the children are out in the playground for lunch, the adults are in the coffee shops trying to avoid them.
- While there is still life in my body, I will not let you get away with these terrible things.
- While you bicker and argue about irrelevant things, I’m going to make sure that my voice is heard and my problem is solved.
“While” introduces a dependent clause that works despite the second clause in the sentence. We use it to show who two conflicting pieces of information engage with each other.
Even when they shouldn’t exist in the same sentence, “while” is a great way to show how two things with different means or results can work simultaneously.
Where Should I Place The Comma When Using “While” At The Beginning Of A Sentence?
Next, we’ll show you how to punctuate “while” correctly when using it to start a sentence. Luckily, the punctuation rules aren’t too difficult to master.
You do not need to place a comma directly after “while” in any case when starting a sentence with it. Instead, you should wait until the end of the dependent clause and place the comma there. We do this to split up the two clauses.
Here’s how it looks with and without a comma:
- Correct: While there is still daylight, I make the most of the beach.
- Incorrect: While you go about your day I have to do my job and slave away.
Can You Start A Sentence With “While Also”?
“While” is a conjunction. “Also” is also a conjunction. We can use the words to combine two or more clauses, but we generally can’t include them at the same time when starting a sentence.
You cannot start a sentence with “while also” because it uses two conjunctions in place of one. This is incorrect when starting a sentence because it’s not allowing us to showcase the point we’re trying to make.
You can only use “while also” in the middle of a sentence, like so:
- Correct: He didn’t want to be there for her while also trying to find his ex-girlfriend.
- Incorrect: While also trying to find his ex-girlfriend, he didn’t want to be there for her.
Alternatives To Starting A Sentence With “While”
There are a few alternatives we can use in place of “while.” We think these are great sentence starters in their own right, and you should feel free to use them in your writing.
- Despite
- In spite of the fact that
- Regardless
Can You End A Sentence With “While”?
We can also end a sentence with “while,” but not in the same way.
You can end a sentence with “while” when using it as a noun to talk about a length of time. It is not usable as a conjunction at the end of a sentence because it cannot connect two clauses if it comes before a period.
- He is going to be a little while.
- Look after my child for a while!
How Do You Use “While” In The Middle Of A Sentence?
We can also use “while” in the middle of a sentence.
The most common way to use “while” in the middle of a sentence is by swapping the position of the dependent clause we mentioned earlier. You may also use “while” as a noun in the middle of a sentence.
- You didn’t need to be here while I was trying to make the arrangements.
- I’m going to be a while longer!
Martin holds a Master’s degree in Finance and International Business. He has six years of experience in professional communication with clients, executives, and colleagues. Furthermore, he has teaching experience from Aarhus University. Martin has been featured as an expert in communication and teaching on Forbes and Shopify. Read more about Martin here.
Using ‘While’
While (US) or whilst (UK) means ‘during’, ‘when’, or ‘at the same time’:
While (he was) living in Paris, Bruno created his first perfumes. It was during his time in Paris that Bruno created his first perfumes.
Icarus stepped into Polly’s office while she was putting on her lipstick. Icarus stepped into Polly’s office at the moment when she was applying her lipstick.
Whilst I was walking peacefully down the street, a wild pigeon defecated on my shoulder. When I was walking peacefully down the street, a wild pigeon defecated on my shoulder.
While can also express an idea of opposition (though, although):
While I agree with the President on several issues, I wouldn’t trust him for another 4 years. Although I agree with the President on several issues, I wouldn’t trust him for another 4 years.
While can also be a noun which would be translated as ‘a short period of time’ (this is not the case with ‘whilst’):
I waited a while before Susie was willing to date me. I waited a short period of time before Susie was willing to date me.
After a while, the baby fell asleep. After a few moments, the baby fell asleep.
once in a while occasionally, from time to time
Note that while must be followed by a
verb
, whereas during can only be followed by a
noun
, not a verb.
I felt very tired while we were eating.
I felt very tired during our meal.
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Comma Before While: A comma gets tricky in the placement of sentences. If placed incorrectly, the entire meaning of the text could get altered. This makes it essential to know the rules on when and how to incorporate commas in the sentence that you wish to convey. To make the sentence understood, it is necessary to place the punctuation marks in the right place. There are many rules for using a comma appropriately. Commas can become a frustrating grammatical concept even for native speakers. This makes the right placement even more important in the sentence, or it might change the entire meaning of the sentence. With the right understanding, we can navigate through punctuation marks, particularly commas, which can get very tricky at times for users. One of them is when to use a comma before a while. In this article, we will focus on using a comma before “while”.
- Definition of “While”
- When To Put A Comma Before While
- When Should You Not Put A Comma Before While
- Conclusion on Comma Before While
- FAQ’s on Comma Before While
Definition of “While”
The word “while” can either be a noun, verb, adverb or a conjunction.
As a noun, the word is defined as an interval of time. As a verb, it depicts the use of time in a relaxed and leisurely manner. However, the word is more commonly used as a conjunction, a word or phrase connecting two clauses. In such a context, the term while has two probable purposes. It can be used to describe incidents happening at the same time. It may also be used for connecting contrasting ideas or situations in one sentence. “While” as a conjunction is often misused, especially with its association with commas. The judgement on this concern generally depends on how the word while is being used in the sentence.
When To Put A Comma Before While
With Comma
Putting a comma before while is when you are using it to tell two contrasting events. This is true when while is situated in the middle of the sentence. One way to easily recognize this rule is by replacing the word while with although or whereas. If the sentence’s meaning is the same after replacement, then the comma is being placed right. Not putting a comma when you want to contrast ideas will change readers’ way it is being read. This could create confusion or misinterpretation in the sentence.
Here are some examples showing the proper use of a comma before the word while.
I love to sing, while my sister loves to dance.
The one that got away left, while the one that came next stayed.
Jenny is excited to ride the roller coaster, while Penny is nervous and afraid.
When Should You Not Put A Comma Before While
Without Comma
When the word while is used as a noun or verb, we naturally do not have to put a comma before it. When used in conjunction, we have to consider how it is meant in the sentence. If it is used to relay instances happening simultaneously, you don’t require to put a comma.
Try replacing the word while with as and see if the sentence’s meaning appears to be the same. If it does, then it is right not to place a comma. Also, we don’t put a comma before while at the beginning of the sentence. However, it is required to put one at the end of the clause that it introduces.
Some sentences using the word while without a comma
I was singing while my sister was dancing.
Penny shouts her tongue out while riding the roller coaster.
The one that got away left while she was working abroad.
Conclusion on Comma Before While
Whether you should use a comma before “while” is a slightly more complex question. While it is a subordinating conjunction, but in certain circumstances, it can act as an adverb of concession as well. In such circumstances, it can act as an adverb of concession as well. In such a circumstance, it should have a comma before it.
If we replace while with as then, it shouldn’t have a comma or normal subordinating conjunction. Replacing “while” with “whereas” should use a comma before it because it is being used as an adverb of concession.
FAQ’s on Comma Before While
Question 1.
What are the 8 rules for commas?
Answer:
The eight primary uses for commas are
- A comma is used after an introductory clause or phrase.
- A comma is used to separate independent clauses.
- A comma is used between all items in a series.
- A comma is used to set off nonrestrictive clauses.
- A comma is used to set off appositives.
- A comma is used to indicate a direct address.
- A comma is used to set off direct quotations.
Question 2.
What are the 5 Rules of commas?
Answer:
The five comma rules to follow are
- A comma is used to separate items in a series.
- A comma is used after an introductory phrase or clause.
- A comma is used before and after a parenthetical phrase or clause.
- Use a comma to separate two independent clauses linked by a coordinating conjunction (and, but, for, nor or, so, yet)
Question 3.
How do you put a comma in a sentence?
Answer:
Commas not only signify pauses in a sentence. The precise rules decide when to use this punctuation mark. Commas are needed before coordinating conjunctions, after dependent clauses (when they precede independent clauses), and to set off appositives.
Question 4.
What is the word “while”?
Answer:
The word “while” can either be a noun, verb, adverb or a conjunction.
As a noun, the word is defined as an interval of time. As a verb, it depicts the use of time in a relaxed and leisurely manner. However, the word is more commonly used as a conjunction, a word or phrase connecting two clauses. In such a context, the term while has two probable purposes. It can be used to describe incidents happening at the same time. It may also be used for connecting contrasting ideas or situations in one sentence. “While” as a conjunction is often misused, especially with its association with commas. The judgement on this concern generally depends on how the word while is being used in the sentence.
Question 5.
When should you put a comma before the word “while”
Answer:
Putting a comma before while is when you are using it to tell two contrasting events. This is true when while is situated in the middle of the sentence. One way to easily recognize this rule is by replacing the word while with although or whereas. If the sentence’s meaning is the same after replacement, then the comma is being placed right. Not putting a comma when you want to contrast ideas will change readers’ way it is being read. This could create confusion or misinterpretation in the sentence.
Question 6.
What is an example of a sentence using a comma before the word “while.”
Answer:
The man left the restaurant, while [whereas] his friend stayed.
Question 7.
When should you not put a comma before the word “while.”
Answer:
When the word while is used as a noun or verb, we naturally do not have to put a comma before it. When used in conjunction, we have to consider how it is meant in the sentence. If it is used to relay instances happening at the same time, then you don’t require a comma.
Try replacing the word while with as and see if the sentence’s meaning appears to be the same. If it does, then it is right not to place a comma. Also, we clearly don’t put a comma before while at the beginning of the sentence. However, it is required to put one at the end of the clause that it introduces.
Question 8.
What is an example of a sentence not using a comma before the word “while.”
Answer:
The man left the restaurant while [as] it was raining.
Question 9.
How to use comma in whereas?
Answer:
The general rule of thumb is When two things are contrasted, use a comma. “Whereas” is generally used to contrast two things:
In the sentence, I am very tall, whereas my wife is quite short.
Notice in the sentence how the clause after “whereas” is a non-essential piece of additional information (“I am very tall” means the same, no matter what the “whereas” clause says).
Some authors do not precede “whereas” followed by a comma, which is found rather unfortunate. The comma here improves legibility and better represents speaking (there is usually a pause before “whereas”).
The word “Whereas” is also used in legal documents in the sense of “because”. Unless you are practising law, you don’t have to worry about this.
“Whereas” is an example of “adverbs of concession,” along with “though” and “even though”. These words are used where a dependent clause contrasts with the main clause. A comma should be used to introduce a dependent clause that starts with an adverb of concession.