Grammar - When v While

Compiled from Grammar Builder Book 3

The rules are:

1.    When is used for a short action that takes place just before another short action in the main clause.

Eg:

          main clause             adverbial clause

Ø     We cheered                when our team scored a goal.

Ø     Sam laughed              when he heard my joke.

2.    When is also used for a short action that interrupts a long action in the main clause. The continuous tense is used for the main clause.

Eg:

          main clause                 adverbial clause

Ø     Sally was cooking              when Tim called.

             (long action)            (short action – interrupts her cooking)

3.    While is used for an action which takes places at the same time as another action in the main clause. Use the same tense for the main clause and the adverbial clause if both actions start and end at the same time.

Eg:

          main clause                    adverbial clause

Ø      They were eating                   while the kids were playing.

           (past continuous)                                 (past continuous)

Ø      They ate                                while the kids played.

           (past tense)                                          (past tense)