Fill in the blanks.
1. I met them ............................. I was holidaying in Canada.
While is a conjunction. We use it before a clause.
2. I met them .............................. my last holiday in Canada.
During is a preposition. We use it before a noun.
3. Janet called .................................. you were out.
We use while before a clause.
4. She said that she is not responsible for anything that happened .................................. her absence.
We use during before a preposition.
5. I fell asleep ................................ I was reading the book.
We use a clause after while.
6. We had a lot of strange experiences ............................. our vacation in America.
We use a preposition after during.
7. ............................. holidaying in Melbourne, Jerry acquired a strong Australian accent.
8. I was in Mumbai .......................... the winter.
9. I will try to meet you ............................. my trip to California.
Use during before a noun/noun phrase.
10. Can I see you for a few minutes .............................. the afternoon?
Either during or in can be used to talk about the whole of the period.
11. I don't like to answer calls ................................. I am driving.
12. The school was closed ............................. the whole of April.
Answers
1. I met them while I was holidaying in Canada.
2. I met them during my last holiday in Canada.
3. Janet called while you were out.
4. She said that she is not responsible for anything that happened during her absence.
5. I fell asleep while I was reading the book.
6. We had a lot of strange experiences during our vacation in America.
7. While holidaying in Melbourne, Jerry acquired a strong Australian accent.
8. I was in Mumbai during the winter.
9. I will try to meet you during my trip to California.
10. Can I see you for a few minutes during the afternoon?
11. I don’t like to answer calls while I am driving.
12. The school was closed during the whole of April.
