In many languages, one word covers during, for and while. In English, the right choice depends on what comes after it.
1. For → how long
Use for with a length of time. It answers the question "How long?".
- I lived in London for three years.
- We waited for two hours.
- She has worked here for a long time.
Structure: for + a duration (for ten minutes, for a week, for ages)
2. During → when, before a noun
Use during before a noun that names an event or a period. It answers the question "When?".
- My phone rang during the meeting.
- It rained during the night.
- I worked in a café during the summer.
Structure: during + the/my/this + noun
3. While → when, before a subject and a verb
While connects two actions. A subject and a verb come after it.
- He called while I was cooking.
- Don't use your phone while you are driving.
When both actions have the same subject, you can also use while + -ing: I listen to music while working.
4. How to choose
- A duration (two hours, three years) → for
- A noun (the film, the holidays, my stay) → during
- A subject + a verb (I was sleeping) → while
- I slept for eight hours. (how long)
- I slept during the flight. (when, + noun)
- I slept while the plane was landing. (when, + subject and verb)
5. Common mistakes
- ❌ I studied English during five years.
- ✔️ I studied English for five years.
- ❌ She fell asleep while the film.
- ✔️ She fell asleep during the film.
- ❌ During I was waiting, I read a book.
- ✔️ While I was waiting, I read a book.
6. "For" with a period
You can use for with a period when you mean the whole of it, often for a plan: I'm going to Spain for the summer. During the summer points to a moment inside that period: I met her during the summer.
