Lesson

Before, after, during, while

Sequence prepositions

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Before, after, during, while

These words connect events in time. Use them to show when one action happens in relation to another.

  • Before and after indicate the order of events.
  • During shows that something happens in the middle of a period or event.
  • While introduces a clause and shows two actions happening at the same time.

Table

Common patterns with time connectors

Word Used with Function Example
before noun / -ing / clause Shows earlier action Before the meeting, check the slides.
after noun / -ing / clause Shows later action After finishing the report, send it to the client.
during noun / noun phrase Indicates time within an event Take notes during the conference call.
while clause (subject + verb) Shows simultaneous actions While I prepared the slides, she booked the room.

Tip

Key rule: clause vs noun

Remember how each connector pairs with nouns or clauses:

  • Use during + noun: during the meeting, during the call, during lunch.
  • Use while + clause: while I worked, while she was presenting.
  • Before and after can use nouns, -ing forms, or full clauses: before the meeting / before meeting / before I arrived.

When a time clause starts the sentence, put a comma after it.

Example

Examples in context

Before the meeting, review the agenda.

After finishing the report, she sent it to her manager.

During the conference call, take notes for the minutes.

While I was preparing the slides, my colleague booked the room.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for frequent errors learners make with these connectors:

  • Using during + clause instead of during + noun (wrong: During I spoke... → correct: While I spoke... or During the speech...).
  • Using while + noun phrase (wrong: While the meeting → correct: During the meeting or While the meeting was happening).
  • Forgetting the comma when a time clause comes first: While I was late I missed the call → add a comma after the clause.
  • Incorrect sequence of tenses when the order of past events matters (use past perfect if needed).
  • Mixing -ing form and infinitive incorrectly after connectors (prefer noun or -ing after during; clause after while).

Focus on what follows each connector (noun vs clause) and on tense order for past events.

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Focus on whether the connector should be followed by a clause or a noun.

Quiz

Complete: _____ the meeting, review the minutes.

Hint: Think about the order of events: what comes later?

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'during' correctly?

Hint: Check what follows 'during' — is it a noun or a clause?

Key Points

GrammarPoint

before

preposition / conjunction CEFR A2 //bɪˈfɔːr//

Indicates that one event happens earlier than another.

Before the meeting, check the agenda.

GrammarPoint

after

preposition / conjunction CEFR A2 //ˈæftər//

Indicates that one event happens later than another.

After finishing the report, she sent it to her manager.

GrammarPoint

during

preposition CEFR B1 //ˈdjʊərɪŋ/ or /ˈdʊrɪŋ//

Used to say something happens in the middle of a period or event (followed by a noun).

Take notes during the conference call.

GrammarPoint

while

conjunction CEFR B1 //waɪl//

Introduces a clause to show two actions happen at the same time.

While I prepared the slides, she organized the agenda.

Vocabulary

agenda

noun CEFR B1 //əˈdʒɛndə//

A list of items to be discussed in a meeting.

Send the meeting agenda to participants in advance.

Vocabulary

minutes

noun CEFR B1 //ˈmɪnɪts//

Written record of what was discussed and decided in a meeting.

Please send the minutes to all attendees after the meeting.