over and during

Question

Hello,What in your opinion is the difference between "I worked for my uncle over the summer." and "I worked for my uncle during the summer."? To me they mean the same thing, but they probably mean two very different things to most native speakers. I often say "over the weekend" instead of "during the weekend" and I don't even know why . Is there a rule or it is just a matter of collocation?

Deadrat · Accepted Answer

My opinion would depend on what kind of boss your uncle was.

I don't see any difference between the two phrasings.

Gene93 · Answer

I take it "during" the summer wouldn't be wrong then. I know quite a few of UK speakers and they never say "during the summer". I sometimes do. Is it common in your variety of English?

CalifJim · Answer

Gene93 Hello,What in your opinion is the difference between "I worked for my uncle over the summer." and "I worked for my uncle during the summer."? To me they mean the same thing, but they probably mean two very different things to most native speakers.

They mean the same to me. 'during' is just in a higher register than 'over'.

Gene93Is there a rule or it is just a matter of collocation?

It's a matter of collocation (and register).

CJ

Gene93 · Answer

CalifJim 'during' is just in a higher register than 'over'.

Thank you, Jim. I have to admit I didn't know that

.

over and during

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