logo

When and While

📘 When and While

Both when and while are used to connect two actions that happen at the same time.

1️⃣ When

  • Used for a short action that interrupts or happens during another action.
  • Usually followed by a simple past tense.

Example:

  • I was watching TV when the phone rang.
  • She called me when I was leaving.

2️⃣ While

  • Used for a longer action that is in progress when another action happens.
  • Usually followed by past continuous tense.

Example:

  • I was reading a book while he was cooking dinner.
  • They were playing football while it was raining.

3️⃣ Summary Table

Word Use Example
When Short action interrupts longer one I fell asleep when the movie started.
While Two actions happening at the same time She listened to music while studying.

📝 Practice

Choose when or while:

  1. I was sleeping ___ the phone rang.
  2. She was cooking ___ I was setting the table.
  3. He left ___ I was reading.
  4. They were talking ___ the teacher entered.
  5. I called you ___ I was driving.