English Language Discussion Forums

**Tdol** · #1 18-Oct-2003, 20:01

What's the difference?

**RonBee** · #2 19-Oct-2003, 01:08

while = during the time that it happened
during = while it was going on

:)

Casiopea · #3 19-Oct-2003, 03:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdol

What's the difference?

RonBee is hilariously

:D

Me thinks, but have no(ught) proof, 'during' modifies things and 'while' modifies actions:

During our stay (thing)
While we were out (action)

During the coffee break (thing)
While we had our coffee (action)

Cas :D

**RonBee** · #4 19-Oct-2003, 22:45

My point (I think) was that while the words can be used to mean the same thing, one cannot be used in place of the other. One interesting thing is that in defining one word you almost have to use the other.

:)

Casiopea · #5 20-Oct-2003, 00:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by RonBee

My point (I think) was that while the words can be used to mean the same thing, one cannot be used in place of the other. One interesting thing is that in defining one word you almost have to use the other.

:)

Yup. I know exactly what you mean. It's like trying to explain the Perfect without using Perfect verbs forms. Uh-huhn. :D

**Tdol** · #6 20-Oct-2003, 21:27

Quote:

Originally Posted by Casiopea

Quote:

Originally Posted by tdol

What's the difference?

RonBee is hilariously

:D

Me thinks, but have no(ught) proof, 'during' modifies things and 'while' modifies actions:

During our stay (thing)
While we were out (action)

During the coffee break (thing)
While we had our coffee (action)

Cas :D

Your definition is right- during is a presposition and while is a conjunction.