What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
during
Example
During the concert, the audience was asked to turn off their phones. [during: preposition]
Example
She felt a bit sleepy during the movie. [during: adverb]
while
Example
While I was studying, my roommate was watching TV. [while: conjunction]
Example
Can you hold this for a while? [while: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
During is more commonly used in formal writing, academic papers, and news articles, while while is more commonly used in everyday conversation and informal writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between during and while?
During is considered more formal than while. It is often used in academic or professional settings, while while is more casual and commonly used in everyday conversation.
