Lesson

For, during and while

Time expressions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

When to use 'for', 'during' and 'while'?

'For', 'during' and 'while' all refer to time, but they are used in different grammatical structures and contexts.

  • 'for' expresses a duration (how long) — use with a period of time: for two hours, for three weeks.
  • 'during' refers to when something happens — use with a noun: during the meeting, during the flight.
  • 'while' connects two actions, often with a subject + verb clause: while I worked, while she was presenting.

Think: for = length (amount of time); during = within a time period (with a noun); while = at the same time (with a clause).

Table

Usage and examples

Word Use Structure Example
for Duration — how long for + amount of time We negotiated the contract for three hours.
during Within a time period — when (with a noun) during + noun Sales increased during the promotion.
while Simultaneous actions — at the same time (with a clause) while + subject + verb (or verb-ing) While the CEO spoke, the team took notes.
while (alternative) Less formal: while + verb-ing for background actions while + verb-ing While reviewing the report, I found several errors.

Tip

Key rule: Match structure to meaning

Choose the word based on the grammar structure and the meaning you want to express:

  • Use 'for' + a period of time to say how long (for two days, for six months).
  • Use 'during' + a noun to say when something happened (during the meeting, during winter).
  • Use 'while' + clause (subject + verb) to describe two simultaneous actions (while I answered emails).

If you need a noun after the time expression, use 'during'. If you have a full clause, use 'while'.

Example

Examples in context

We postponed the presentation for two weeks.

During the conference, several partners requested changes to the proposal.

While the manager interviewed the candidate, the team prepared the meeting room.

I read the draft while commuting to the office.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch for these universal errors when using 'for', 'during' and 'while':

  • Using 'during' with a verb clause (incorrect): 'during I worked' — use 'while I worked' instead.
  • Using 'while' with only a noun when a duration is needed (incorrect): 'while the meeting' — use 'during the meeting'.
  • Using 'for' with a noun-only time period incorrectly (less precise): prefer 'during' with named events — 'during the meeting' not 'for the meeting' if you mean 'at some point in the meeting'.
  • Confusing the focus: 'for' emphasizes length; 'during' emphasizes the event/timeframe; 'while' emphasizes simultaneous actions.

Check whether you need a duration (for), a noun/timeframe (during) or a clause for simultaneous actions (while).

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think about which word expresses duration (how long).

Quiz

Complete: The team worked _____ the storm to keep client services running.

Hint: Think about which word pairs with a noun to indicate when something happens.

Quiz

Choose the best option to complete the sentence: She answered emails _____ the conference call.

Hint: Look at what follows the blank — is it a noun or a clause?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

for

preposition CEFR A2 //fɔːr//

Used to indicate a period of time (duration)

The project ran for six months.

GrammarPoint

during

preposition CEFR B1 //ˈdjʊərɪŋ//

Used to say when something happens; followed by a noun

During the audit, we found a missing invoice.

GrammarPoint

while

conjunction CEFR B1 //waɪl//

Used to connect two simultaneous actions; followed by a clause

While the team worked, the manager updated stakeholders.

Vocabulary

duration

noun CEFR B2 //djʊˈreɪʃən//

The length of time that something lasts

We must estimate the duration of the deployment.

Vocabulary

simultaneous

adjective CEFR C1 //ˌsɪməlˈteɪniəs//

Happening at the same time

We coordinated simultaneous launches in three regions.

Vocabulary

period

noun CEFR B1 //ˈpɪəriəd//

A length or portion of time

The reporting period covers January to March.