Using During and While
Both during and while connect actions and time, but they follow different grammar patterns. This guide explains when to use each and gives practice with hidden answers.
During
During is followed by a noun or noun phrase. It means “throughout the period of” or “at some point in that time.” Use it when you want to name an event, period, or activity.
- We met during the break.
- She slept during the movie.
- Many changes happened during the 1990s.
- He stayed calm during the interview.
While
While is followed by a clause (subject + verb). It means “at the same time as” and links two actions or states.
- While I was cooking, she set the table.
- He read a book while waiting for the train.
- While they were playing, it started to rain.
- She listened to music while she worked.
Key Differences
Short checklist:
- During + noun / noun phrase → name the period or event. (during the meeting, during the flight)
- While + clause → show two actions happening at the same time. (while she cooked, while I waited)
- You cannot use during directly before a clause: incorrect — *during I cooked*.
- In many cases both are possible if you change the structure: While I was on holiday → During my holiday.
Practice: Fill in during or while
- I read a book _______ the flight.
I read a book during the flight.
- _______ he was on the phone, I cooked dinner.
While he was on the phone, I cooked dinner.
- Many people get tired _______ long meetings.
Many people get tired during long meetings.
- She listened to a podcast _______ she commuted.
She listened to a podcast while she commuted.
- We took many photos _______ our trip.
We took many photos during our trip.
Practice: Convert the sentence
Change one form to the other without changing the meaning.
- While I was studying, the lights went out.
During my study session, the lights went out.
- During the concert, she cried.
She cried while the concert was happening.
Mini Test
Choose the correct option and click to reveal the answer.
- He fell asleep _______ the lecture.
during
- _______ the bus stopped, she picked up her bag.
When / While the bus stopped, she picked up her bag. (While is common for simultaneous actions.)
- She improved her English _______ her year abroad.
She improved her English during her year abroad.
Quick Summary Table
| Use | Form | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Name a period or event | During + noun | during the holiday / during the match |
| Describe two simultaneous actions | While + clause | while I read / while she cooked |
| Interchangeable (with structure change) | Both (rewrite) | During my holiday = While I was on holiday |