During

The word 'during' is used widely in the English language. We have collected all the information related to this word.

'During' mainly functions as a preposition. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.

Functions of 'During'

Preposition

'During' as a Preposition

As mentioned above, 'during' is a preposition in the English language. Below, we are going to learn about the different kinds of prepositions it can be:

Use

'During' as a Preposition of Time

We can use 'during' as a preposition of time. Look:

When we want to signify that the action continued from the beginning to the end of a particular period of time, we use 'during'. Look:

Anna was mostly at the office during summer.

Here, it is inferred that from the beginning to the end of summer the action continued.

A : Can I stay at your place this weekend?

B : I'm sorry, but I won't be home during the weekend.

We can also use 'during' to talk about certain points of time in a long period. Take a look below:

I had to drink water several times during the night.

Another actress was chosen during her absence.

Position in a Sentence

As you know, prepositions always come before nouns or noun phrases. When using 'during' as a preposition, there are no limitations as to where we can put the prepositional phrase. Look at the following examples for more clarification:

Many innocent people were killed during the Great War.

Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the end of the sentence.

During work, I do not like to answer phone calls.

Here, we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence.

Hannah and her friends, during lunchtimes, go to the park and chit-chat.

Warning!

Please note that whenever we have a prepositional phrase at the beginning of the sentence, we must put a comma after it. Also, when it is in the middle, we must put commas both before and after it. Look:

During vs. While

Both of these words are used to state that two things are happening at the same time. However, 'during' is a preposition, and 'while' is a conjunction that connects two clauses together. Compare the following examples:

During the Great Depression, many Americans went mad.

I was doing the dishes while my mother was out there gardening.