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Hanuman_2000 Posted 12 years ago
Grammar
While-when
Hello,
The two activities were happening, will happen or are happening at the same time. I have to describe the two activities.
(Past activities)
I was reading a book while my brother was cleaning the room.
I was reading a book when my brother was cleaning the room.
Is there any difference between the usage of "while" and "when " in this context.
Future activities
I will be playing computer games while my brother is reading the newspaper.
I will be playing computer games when my brother is reading the newspaper.
Present activities
I am watching TV while others are playing cards.
I am watching TV when others are playing cards.
Are any differences in the usage of "while" and "when" in this context?
Thanks.
The two activities were happening, will happen or are happening at the same time. I have to describe the two activities.
(Past activities)
I was reading a book while my brother was cleaning the room.
I was reading a book when my brother was cleaning the room.
Is there any difference between the usage of "while" and "when " in this context.
Future activities
I will be playing computer games while my brother is reading the newspaper.
I will be playing computer games when my brother is reading the newspaper.
Present activities
I am watching TV while others are playing cards.
I am watching TV when others are playing cards.
Are any differences in the usage of "while" and "when" in this context?
Thanks.
Top answer
For many people they are interchangeable. I prefer to use a simple tense (past, present, future) with when and a progressive tense with while.
- For many people they are interchangeable.
- I prefer to use a simple tense (past, present, future) with when and a progressive tense with while.
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2 Answers
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For many people they are interchangeable. I prefer to use a simple tense (past, present, future) with when and a progressive tense with while.
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There is a difference but subtle to the learners. It is semantically awkward to say: Sorry I was in the shower while you called me. But it is perfectly fine to say : Sorry I was in the shower when you called. While - (to me) usually suggests one event taken place within the same time frame of another, i.e. While I was in L.A. for a business conference, I visited Disneyland. In this contexts (or t
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