Unit 119. For, during and while
Unit 119; Part A

We use for + a period of time to say how long something goes on:
for two hours for a week for ages
• We watched television for two hours last night.
• Diane is going away for a week in September.
• Where have you been? I've been waiting for ages.
• Are you going away for the weekend?
We use during + noun to say when something happens (not how long):
during the film during our holiday during the night
• I fell asleep during the film.
• We met some really nice people during our holiday.
• The ground is wet. It must have rained during the night.
With 'time words' (for example: the morning / the afternoon / the summer), you can usually say in or during:
• It must have rained in the night. (or during the night)
• I'll phone you sometime during the afternoon. (or in the afternoon I
You cannot use during to say how long something goes on:
• It rained for three days without stopping. (not during three days)
Compare during and for:
• I fell asleep during the film. I was asleep for half an hour.
Unit 119; Part B
![]() Compare: ![]() |
Some more examples of while: • We saw Clare while we were waiting for the bus. • While you were out, there was a phone call for you. • Chris read a book while I watched television. When you are talking about the future, use the present (not will) after while: • I'll be in London next week. I hope to see Tom while I'm there. (not while I will be there) • What are you going to do while you are waiting? (not while you will be waiting) See also Unit 25. |
Exercises
![]() | Unit 118 Unit 119 Unit 120 | ![]() |
В настоящее время оффшоры играют важную роль в мировой экономике. Такие компании обеспечивают доступ их владельцам к международным финансовым рынкам.