in the space of / during

[alikim]

Is there a difference in meaning between those, for example "in the space of 10 minutes" or "during ten minutes"?

[Route21]

Hi alikim

I'm not sure that it's a question of meaning, rather a question of usage.

As a NES (UK), I would have no problem with:
"I explained the problem to him and, within the space of 10 minutes, he had an excellent solution"
The same sentence wouldn't work, for me, written as:
"I explained the problem to him and, during 10 minutes, he had an excellent solution"

Hope this helps
Best regards
R21

[alikim]

The same sentence wouldn't work, for me, written as:
"I explained the problem to him and, during 10 minutes, he had an excellent solution"

I guess my question in regards to your example would be "Why doesn't it work with during here?"

[Route21]

Hi alikim

Apologies, it's a logical follow-on question, but difficult to explain the subtlety,

I had hoped to explain it via:
during - definition of during by the Free Online Dictionary, Thesaurus and Encyclopedia.
dur·ing (drng, dyr-)prep.
1. Throughout the course or duration of: suffered food shortages during the war.
2. At some time in: was born during a blizzard.

1. It was at some specific point during the 10 minutes that he came up with the idea - i.e. not throughout the period.
2. "... , during the 10 minute tea break, he came up with an excellent solution" would work, whereas "during 10 minutes" wouldn't (for me).

Sorry I can't give a more satisfactory response on this occasion.
Can anyone else help?

Best regards
R21