# during

/ˈdɝɪŋ/ (US) · /djˈɔːɹɪŋ/ (UK) · CEFR A1 · Preposition

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/during
Updated: 2026-05-02

## Definition

at some point within a period of time. You use it to say that something happened while another event was going on.

For teachers: throughout the entire course or duration of a period; alternatively, at some point within the limits of a specified time or event.

## Examples

- It rained heavily during the night.
- The students are not allowed to use their mobile phones during the final exam.
- While the economy struggled during the initial transition period, the subsequent decade saw a remarkable recovery driven by technological innovation and increased foreign investment.

## Pitfalls

- Not "during I was sleeping" but "while I was sleeping" — During is a preposition and must be followed by a noun; use 'while' to connect to a clause with a subject and verb.

## Usage notes

- Always followed by a noun or noun phrase; it cannot be followed by a clause with a subject and verb.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.