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'During' mainly functions as a preposition. In this lesson, we will discuss how to learn and use it.
Functions of 'During'
'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.
Can I stay at your place this weekend?
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.
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