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When,
while and as can be used to talk about actions or situations that take place at
the same time. There are some differences.
When
and while
We
can use when and while to introduce a longer background action or situation,
which is/was going on when something else happens/happened. Note that we
usually use a continuous tense for the longer background action or situation.
When- and while-clauses
can go at the beginning or end of sentences.
·
I was having a
bath when the telephone rang. OR When the telephone rang I was having a bath.
·
While they were
having a nap, somebody broke into the house.
·
I was working
on that report when Sam called.
·
She was waiting
for a bus when the accident occurred.
·
Cathy broke her
arm while she was playing in the garden.
When can mean ‘at the same time as something else’.
·
I always wear
gloves when I wash clothes.
·
She always
takes her cellphone when she goes out.
When is used to refer to ages and periods of life. As and while
are not possible in this.
·
His parents
died when he was ten.
·
I was eighteen when
I got my driving license.
·
She was
twenty-one when she got married.
While
While is used to say that two longer actions or situations go/went
on at the same time. We can use progressive or simple tenses.
·
While he was
watching TV, I was working.
·
He slept while
I cooked supper.
·
You can do the
dishes while she cooks dinner.
·
While she was
in Australia, she met a rich businessman and fell in love with him.
·
I acquired a
strong Canadian accent, while I was holidaying in Toronto.
·
I sprained my
ankle while I was playing football.
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