As these 3 words all pertain to concepts of time, they are very commonly mistaken by non-native English speakers.
During
We use during in order to describe WHEN one action is happening. It is usually at the same time as another action, similarly to while, but it precedes a noun instead of a verb.
Structure: verb + during + noun
E.g.
I kept coughing during that exam.
She went to the bathroom 3 times during the meeting!
He wants to finish the novel during his vacation in the mountains.
Most people got lost during the game.
For
One of the most confusing words in English due to its multi-functionality (see get!), for can be used in this context to describe how long something happens. It is used as part of an answer to the question ‘how long…?’.
Structure: for + length of time
E.g.
I’ve worked for this company for 3 years.
I’ve been dancing ballet for over 10 years!
I usually work out for 30 minutes a day.
We waited for an hour for you outside the mall.
While
Most commonly confused with during, this word is used to describe when one thing is happening at the same time as another. The biggest difference between these two words is the structure.
Structure: while + subject + verb
E.g.
I love listening to music while I study.
They always make so much noise while I’m working!
Can you wash the dishes while I take a shower?
I asked her to walk the dog while I’m on vacation.
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You have reached 0 of 0 points, (0) Nice work! Did you get the result you were expecting? If not, feel free to take the quiz a second time! He’s been sleeping ___12 hours now! Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! Ronaldo scored a goal ____ the second half of the match Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! She read 3 books ___ they were on vacation Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! I’ve lived here ___ 2 years Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! I met my girlfriend ___ we were at work Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! ___ my shift, I had 5 coffees! Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! I listen to podcasts ___ the day. Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! You park the car ___ I find us a table. Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! We’ve been dating ___ 5 years already! Good job! Not quite, better luck next time! We should move to Paris ___ we’re still young. Good job! Not quite, better luck next time!During vs For vs While
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