while or when

[Winwin2011]

Would you like something to eat while we're waiting?

Is it possible to use "when" instead of of "while" in the above sentence?

Thanks for your help.

 

[Rover_KE]

It's possible you might hear non-native speakers say it.

 

[Winwin2011]

It's possible you might hear non-native speakers say it.

Thanks Rover

Do you mean native speakers do not say "when" in the above context?

 

[bhaisahab]

Thanks Rover

Do you mean native speakers do not say "when" in the above context?

It's not a natural thing to say.

 

[Rover_KE]

Yes – that's what I mean.

 

[Winwin2011]

Thanks, bhai and Rover.

The followings are quoted from "English Grammar Today" Cambridge:

While means 'during the time when something else happens'. When can mean the same as while, but when can also refer to a point in time.

during the time something happens
The phone rang while/when we were having dinner.

a point in time
When the phone rang, she answered it immediately.
Not: While the phone rang......

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I am confused because the book said 'When can mean the same as while'. Do I misunderstand the meaning in the above context? What does 'a point in time' mean?

Could anybody help, please?

 

[Chicken Sandwich]

I am confused because the book said 'When can mean the same as while'. Do I misunderstand the meaning in the above context? What does 'a point in time' mean?

When can mean the same as while but when and while are not always interchangeable. Take a look here.

 

[emsr2d2]

The point of them saying that "when can mean the same as while" is to make it clear that it's a possibility. If they always meant the same, it would read "When means the same as while".