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Tenacious Learner Posted 13 years ago
Grammar

While instead of when?

Hi teachers,
Context:
Peter starts for the counter again.
Peter: Oh, no! I don't have any money. Mary come here, please.
Question:
What happened when Peter started for the counter again?
He realized that he didn’t have any money.
Could I use 'while' instead of 'when' in the question? If so, what's the difference?

Thanks in advance.
  

Top answer

Could I use 'while' instead of 'when' in the question? No. Not to my ear.

— CalifJim

  • Could I use 'while' instead of 'when' in the question?
  • No.
  • Not to my ear.
  • It sounds wrong to me.
  • The events were not happening at the same time.
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2 Answers
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Tenacious LearnerWhat happened when Peter started for the counter again?He realized that he didn’t have any money.Could I use 'while' instead of 'when' in the question?
No. Not to my ear. It sounds wrong to me. The events were not happening at the same time. From the part you call 'Context', I understand it as the action of starting to go (toward the count
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Hi Jim,
Thanks for you reply and comments. Before it was as clear as mud; now it's crystal clear! Emotion: smile

TL
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