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When and While
Question: How do I choose between when and while?
Grammar: Adverbs (time expressions)
When is used for shorter actions, and while is used for longer actions. When is usually used with simple tenses, and while with progressive tenses. For example, let’s look at two actions, one short and one long:
Short action – Fall down (it only takes a second to fall down)
Long action – Ride a bike (bike rides can last a long time)
Because one is long and one is short, these two actions can’t happen at the same time. The short action interrupts the long action:
I was riding my bike when I fell down.
I fell down while I was riding my bike.
Let’s consider two more actions:
Reading a book
Telephone ringing
It is clear that the telephone ringing is the shorter action, it only takes a few seconds:
I was reading a book when the telephone rang.
The telephone rang while I was reading a book.
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Thu, 20/11/2008 - 7:11pm — English Online Visitor
is it right if I say, I was on my way home, when the accident happened. ?
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Mon, 17/11/2008 - 5:01pm — xingmo
nice
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Mon, 10/11/2008 - 4:09pm — English Online Visitor
thanks - useful stuff
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Tue, 04/11/2008 - 4:58am — arunnaks
AWESOME...............THIS IS VERY HELPFUL
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Mon, 20/10/2008 - 11:59am — English Online Visitor
it is very useful for me. especially this web is very good for people to learn English.
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Mon, 20/10/2008 - 9:16am — English Online Visitor
thank you alot for this great job really it's look so useful and much helpful thank you again ...it will be perfect if you go on such as like that !!!
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Mon, 28/07/2008 - 1:12pm — Gloriajj
Well-organized explanation.
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Sat, 17/05/2008 - 6:44pm — English Online Visitor
Could you tell me what's the difference between "I like to swim" and "I like swimming"? Thanks a lot.
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Tue, 22/04/2008 - 3:16pm — andynewton
I'm glad that you find this useful. What other grammar questions do ou find difficult?
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Tue, 22/04/2008 - 1:49pm — peaceandlove
before saw it, i asked many people about this question and feel confused, but now what i should say is thank you
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