During, for, while
B1 IntermediateLearn how to use during, for, and while to describe when things happen and how long they last.
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.
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) |
Examples
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.
Practice
We waited at the airport ___ two hours.
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for
Answer:for
Why:We use 'for' because 'two hours' is a period of time (duration).
The phone rang ___ we were having dinner.
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while
Answer:while
Why:We use 'while' because it is followed by a clause (subject 'we' + verb 'were having').
I felt very nervous ___ the interview.
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during
Answer:during
Why:We use 'during' because 'the interview' is a noun representing an event.