Languages › English as a Second Language For During or While Quiz for English Learners Review the differences in the use of while / during / for Using a Collocation Dictionary. Image Source / Getty Images English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on March 17, 2017 1. He's been working _____ three weeks. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'for' when expressing a length of time such as a few weeks, a couple of days, three hours, two months, etc. 2. I fell asleep _____ the film. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'during' with a noun or noun phrase rather than a full clause. during the film = while I watched the film 3. Did you see Tom _____ your vacation? for while during Correct Wrong Use 'during' with a noun or noun phrase rather than a full clause. during vacation = while I was on vacation 4. We talked _____ an hour. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'for' when expressing a length of time such as a few weeks, a couple of days, three hours, two months, etc. 5. She watched TV _____ I cooked. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while I cooked = during cooking 6. _____ our stay in London, we visited a lot of museums. For While During Correct Wrong Use 'during' with a noun or noun phrase rather than a full clause. during our stay in London = while we were in London 7. What did you do _____ you were in London? for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while you were in London = during your trip to London 8. I think I need to study French _____ a few months before I go there. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'for' when expressing a length of time such as a few weeks, a couple of days, three hours, two months, etc. 9. I came up with a great idea _____ I was thinking about my class. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while I was thinking = during my thoughts 10. They drove through the countryside _____ they were staying in France. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while they were staying in France = during their time in France 11. He was out of work _____ six months before he found a new job. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'for' when expressing a length of time such as a few weeks, a couple of days, three hours, two months, etc. 12. I broke my arm _____ I was playing squash. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while I was playing squash = during the squash game 13. Please, don't interrupt the teacher _____ she is speaking. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'while' with a full clause including a clear subject and verb. while she is speaking = during her speech 14. He broke into tears _____ the film. for while during Correct Wrong Use 'during' with a noun or noun phrase rather than a full clause. during the film = while he watched the film 15. Could you hold on _____ a few moments? for while during Correct Wrong Use 'for' when expressing a length of time such as a few weeks, a couple of days, three hours, two months, etc. For During or While Quiz for English Learners You got: % Correct. For / While / During Champion! You know your English!. Andrew Rich / Vetta / Getty Images It's obvious you understand the use of these prepositions. Great job! Keep working on your English and continue to improve. Soon prepositions will be no work at all! Share Your Results For During or While Quiz for English Learners You got: % Correct. Good Job! You've done well on your lessons. Anton Violin / Moment / Getty Images It's clear you understand the basic differences between 'for', 'while' and 'during' - you just need to practice a few more times and your understanding will be perfect. Remember use 'while' with verbs and 'during' with nouns. Always use 'for' when expressing a period of time. Share Your Results For During or While Quiz for English Learners You got: % Correct. Keep Studying For / While / During Keep working on your studies.. Frank and Helena / Cultura / Getty Images You'll need to review the rules of 'for', 'while' and 'during'. Here they are: Use 'while' with verbs and 'during' with nouns. Always use 'for' when expressing a period of time. Keep studying and you'll improve your understanding of these and other prepositions. Share Your Results