Key Difference

• “When” is used to talk about a specific moment or event.
• “While” is used for actions or events that happen over a period of time or simultaneously.

1. Using “When”

“When” often points to a specific event or a particular moment in time. It answers the question “at what time?”

• Examples:
  • “I called him when I arrived.” (a specific time: the moment I arrived)
  • “She was happy when she got the job offer.” (a specific event: getting the job offer)

  👉 Pro Tip: Think of “when” as marking a point in time when something happens. It often goes with single, completed actions.

2. Using “While”

“While” is used to talk about actions or events that happen over a period of time or occur at the same time as another action.

• Examples:
  • “She read a book while waiting for the train.” (two things happening simultaneously)
  • “I listen to music while cooking.” (ongoing activities that happen at the same time)

  👉 Pro Tip: Think of “while” as showing a stretch of time where two actions overlap.

Visual Difference:

• “When” = ⏰ (a single point in time)
• “While” = 📆 (an ongoing or overlapping period of time)

Common Mistakes and Tips

• Incorrect: “He was working when I was cooking dinner.”
  • Here, “while” would be better because both actions are happening at the same time.
  • Correct: “He was working while I was cooking dinner.”
• Incorrect: “Call me while you arrive.”
  • Since arriving is a single event, “when” is better.
  • Correct: “Call me when you arrive.”

Practice Time! 🎉

Fill in the blanks with “when” or “while”:

1. I started cooking dinner _______ he arrived.
2. She smiled _______ she saw her friends.
3. The baby was sleeping _______ we were watching a movie.
4. _______ I was studying, my phone rang.

Answers:

1. when
2. when
3. while
4. while