One is followed by a noun, the other is followed by a full clause.
Preposition. Indicates that something happens within the timeframe of an event or noun. Followed by a noun.
She fell asleep during the movie.
Ella se quedó dormida durante la película.
I learned a lot during the course.
Aprendí mucho durante el curso.
Don't use your phone during class.
No uses tu teléfono durante la clase.
Conjunction. Indicates that two actions happen at the same time. Followed by a subject and verb.
She fell asleep while watching the movie.
Ella se quedó dormida mientras veía la película.
I listened to music while studying.
Escuché música mientras estudiaba.
While I was cooking, he set the table.
Mientras yo cocinaba, él ponía la mesa.
Common mistake
Using 'during' before a verb. Wrong: "She called me during I was studying." (correct: while I was studying)
Trick to remember it
'During' + noun (during the game, during the concert). 'While' + subject + verb (while I study, while she sleeps). If a full sentence follows, use 'while'.
Quick rule
Is it followed by just a noun? Use 'during'. Is it followed by a subject and verb? Use 'while'.
Did you know?
'Whilst' is the British formal variant of 'while': 'Whilst she was speaking'. In American English, 'whilst' is extremely rare and can sound old-fashioned or overly formal. Stick with 'while' in any dialect.
Exercise 1 · Pick the right one
She called me _____ I was having lunch.
Exercise 2 · Pick the right one
Please turn off your phone _____ the concert.
Exercise 3 · Form the word
Is it followed by just a noun? Use 'during'. Is it followed by a subject and verb? Use 'while'.
Using 'during' before a verb. Wrong: "She called me during I was studying." (correct: while I was studying)
'During' + noun (during the game, during the concert). 'While' + subject + verb (while I study, while she sleeps). If a full sentence follows, use 'while'.
Bryan López
Founder of SpeakUP Academy