0To me those two words are very similar and the translation is the same.02br 02br 00The doorbell rang while we were asleep. <- In this sentence, the Grammar in Use says 'as' is not appropriate but 'while' is fine.02br 02br 00How about this one?02br 02br 00As the doorbell rang, we were sleeping.02br 02br 00Does 'asleep' represent a status and 'sleep' is an action? Can anyone explain the difference?0-
Top answer
02font 00 Same deal. "As" is not appropriate but "while" is (fine). "When" would be better.
— Avangi
02font 00 Same deal.
"As" is not appropriate but "while" is (fine).
"When" would be better.
)02br 02br 00I don't know if another example will serve in lieu of an explanation:02br 02br 01i 00After the shipwreck, we were adrift in a lifeboat for seven days.
After the shipwreck, we 01u 00drifted/were drifting02u 00 in a lifeboat for seven days.
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1font00Hi Moonwalker,00 02font02br 02br 01font00As the doorbell rang, we were sleeping.02font00 Same deal. "As" is not appropriate but "while" is (fine). "When" would be better. My ear would accept "01u00as/while02u00 the doorbell rang repeatedly, we slept peacfully on