When and while

Double-click on any word and see its definition from Cambridge Dictionaries Online.

What is the difference between when and while?

Both when and while can be used to talk about actions or situations that take place at the same time.

Swan identifies the following differences:

1 Backgrounds

We can use both words to introduce a longer 'background' action or situation, which is/was going on
when something else happens/happened.

Somebody broke into the house when they were playing cards.
While they were playing cards, somebody broke into the house.

Note that when and while clauses can go at the beginning or end of sentences.

2 Simultaneous long actions

We usually use while to say that two longer actions or situations go / went on at the same time.

While you were reading the paper, I was working.

If we are talking about ages and periods of life, we use when:

When I was a child we lived in London (NOT While I was a child …)

His parents died when he was twelve (NOT … while he was twelve)

3 Simultaneous short actions

We can use (just) when to say that two short actions or events happen / happened at the same time:

I thought of it (just) when you opened your mouth.

While is not possible in this situation.

4 Reduced clauses

It is often possible to leave out subject + be after when and while:

While/When in Germany, he got to know a family of musicians. (=While/When he was in

Germany …)

1. _____________ he was talking on the phone, I was watching TV.

Answer:
while
when

2. He was cancelling his flight ______ we called him.

Answer:
while
when

3. I was overtaking a truck ______ I heard a loud thump.

Answer:
while
when

4. We were watching a movie _____ the screen went blank.

Answer:
while
when

5. ________ she was packing the bags, I was looking for our passports.
Answer:
while
when

6. We were complaining about the weather __________ the sun broke through the clouds.
Answer:
while
when

7. Sandra was washing the dishes _________ a plate fell off the shelf.
Answer:
while
when

8. Do not disturb me ______ I'm listening to music!

Answer:
while
when

PAST CONTINUOUS TENSE

Join the sentences by using while and when.
1) I hurt my knee. I was playing football.

———————————————– . (when)

———————————————-. (while)

2) They were talking about the exam results. The manager came in.

______________________________________________________. (when)

______________________________________________________. (while)

3) Gaye lost her wallet. She was walking in a crowded street.

______________________________________________________.(when)

______________________________________________________. (while)

4) Somebody stole my i-pod. I was speaking to a friend on the phone.

_______________________________________________________. (when)

_______________________________________________________. (while)

5) We were getting ready for the picnic. It started to rain.

_______________________________________________________.(when)

_______________________________________________________. (while)