[Grammar] crossing the street

Status
Not open for further replies.

Ashiuhto

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 30, 2010
Member Type
English Teacher
Native Language
Chinese
Home Country
Taiwan
Current Location
Taiwan
Please check out the following sentences. Which is better?

(1) While (you are) crossing the street, you must be very careful.

(2) When (you are) crossing the street, you must be very careful.
 

SoothingDave

VIP Member
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
American English
Home Country
United States
Current Location
United States
I would say "when," but either is OK.
 

Route21

Senior Member
Joined
Nov 27, 2010
Member Type
Interested in Language
Native Language
British English
Home Country
England
Current Location
Thailand
Hi Ashiuhto

I agree with SoothingDave, with the addition of the following possible, subtle nuance, which may explain my, and SD's, preference:

"Whilst" suggests whilst you are actually physically crossing the road.
"When" tends to include the time before you cross the road - when, of course, you look both ways!

Hope this helps
R21
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Top