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ESL forum >
Ask for help > WHEN OR WHILE
WHEN OR WHILE
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rhoad21
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WHEN OR WHILE
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In the past continuous tense what �s the difference between the usage of when and while. I have searched the net and I became confused with the info I had read.
some say that when is followed by the simple past. but i have seen an example which is not followed by simple past like
somebody broke into the house when they were playing cards.
while they were playing cards somebody broke into the house.
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10 Jul 2010
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anitarobi
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As far as I know, while stresses the lasting of the process, which is why it is more often used for the past continuous than when. But there is no significant difference in the meaning in fact. |
10 Jul 2010
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Jackie1952
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I would always use "while" in these circumstances, for the same reason given by Anita. "While" suggests more longevity of the action- "when" suggests a one time immediacy.
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10 Jul 2010
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yanogator
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I agree with the others, and have a little more to add.
For teaching purposes, I would say that it �s best to teach only "while" in this situation, for the sake of simplicity. It �s always correct and sounds very natural.
With that said, I will add that many people would say "when" most of the time, because "while" might have a slightly formal feeling to them. This is just because of regional and personal usage and has nothing to do with the rules of grammar. So, what I �m saying is that a person visiting the US might hear someone say, "Phyllis called when we were eating dinner" and wonder about the use of "when" instead of "while". It �s natural and common, but there �s no need to teach it.
I hope I haven �t confused you more.
Bruce |
10 Jul 2010
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rhoad21
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thank you very much.
you are great help.
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10 Jul 2010
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Adamica
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Hi Rhoad and all kind responders..I am just coming this forum to night. so if you guys find out unsatisfied post of mine, so sorry for that.
Yeah, I am sure you have got the obvious different between WHEN and WHILE, aren �t you Rhoad?
In short,
When means...that time
While.........during that time.
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10 Jul 2010
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