00 / Prepositions
During, for, while
Learn how to use during, for, and while to describe when things happen and how long they last.
B1Intermediate
01 / Overview
These three words all relate to time, but they function differently in a sentence. During and for are prepositions followed by nouns, while while is a conjunction used to connect two clauses.
- During tells us when something happened within a period of time.
- For tells us how long something lasted (duration).
- While describes two actions happening at the same time.
02 / During vs. For vs. While
Use during with a noun to name the event itself. Use for with a number and a time unit to measure the length. Use while when you want to include a subject and a verb.
| Word | Function | Followed by... |
|---|---|---|
| during | When something happens | Noun (the film, the meeting) |
| for | How long it lasts | Time period (three hours, two days) |
| while | Two simultaneous actions | Subject + Verb (I was sleeping) |
03 / Examples
04 / Common mistakes
I have lived here during five years.
I have lived here for five years.
Use 'for' to show the total length of time.
I listened to music during I was running.
I listened to music while I was running.
Use 'while' before a clause with a subject and a verb.
05 / Practice
We waited at the airport ___ two hours.
Show answer
Answer: for
Why: We use 'for' because 'two hours' is a period of time (duration).
The phone rang ___ we were having dinner.
Show answer
Answer: while
Why: We use 'while' because it is followed by a clause (subject 'we' + verb 'were having').
I felt very nervous ___ the interview.
Show answer
Answer: during
Why: We use 'during' because 'the interview' is a noun representing an event.