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Wonder123 Posted 11 years ago
Grammar

While or when

Hello,

I often get confused when to use while or when. please check the sentence below.

Help our doctor when/while he treats the patients.
We would like you to help her when/while treating the victims

Thanks
  

Top answer

Yes, it can be confusing as the two words have very similar meanings when used in this way. "While" usually means "during the time which (the doctor is treating the patient)". "When" can refer to a specific point in time, rather than a duration.

— Anonymous

  • Yes, it can be confusing as the two words have very similar meanings when used in this way.
  • "While" usually means "during the time which (the doctor is treating the patient)".
  • "When" can refer to a specific point in time, rather than a duration.
  • To say: "Help our doctor when he treats the patients" suggests that the doctor isn't helping patients all the time and that he only needs help when he is doing that.
  • It is more usual to say: "Help our doctor while he treats the patients".
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2 Answers
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Yes, it can be confusing as the two words have very similar meanings when used in this way.

"While" usually means "during the time which (the doctor is treating the patient)".

"When" can refer to a specific point in time, rather than a duration.

To say: "Help our doctor when he treats the patients" suggests that the doctor isn't helping patients all the time and that
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Thanks a lot for your help.
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