\u201cWhen\u201d as a Question Word<\/h5>\n
When<\/strong> is also used as a question word<\/strong> in open-ended questions (Wh- questions)<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We use when<\/strong> and while<\/strong> to describe two actions that happened at the same time. However, the structure depends on the type of action:<\/p>\n A longer action \u2192 Past Continuous<\/strong> Both when<\/strong> and while<\/strong> work if they introduce the longer action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n However, we can only use when<\/strong> before the short, completed action<\/strong>.<\/p>\n If \u201cwhile\u201d or \u201cwhen\u201d starts the sentence, use a comma.<\/p>\n If \u201cwhile\u201d or \u201cwhen\u201d is in the middle, no comma is needed.<\/p>\n We can shorten while<\/strong> and when<\/strong> sentences by removing the subject and auxiliary verb<\/strong>:<\/p>\n We use while<\/strong> to describe two long actions happening at the same time<\/strong>. In this case, we use the Past Continuous<\/strong> for both actions.<\/p>\n We use when<\/strong> to describe two short actions<\/strong> that happen together or one after the other. Both actions use Past Simple<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We use when<\/strong> before the shorter action<\/strong>, which happens during a longer action<\/strong>. The longer action<\/strong> is in Past Continuous<\/strong>, and the shorter action<\/strong> is in Past Simple<\/strong>.<\/p>\n We use when<\/strong> to talk about something that happened at a specific age. This can be in Past Simple<\/strong> or Past Continuous<\/strong>.<\/p>\nWhen Do We Use \u201cWhen\u201d and \u201cWhile\u201d?<\/h2>\n
\nA shorter, completed action \u2192 Past Simple<\/strong><\/p>\nWhile\/when + Past Continuous + Past Simple<\/h4>\n
Past Simple + when\/while + Past Continuous<\/h4>\n
Using Commas with \u201cWhile\u201d and \u201cWhen\u201d<\/h5>\n
Shortening Sentences with \u201cWhen\u201d and \u201cWhile\u201d<\/h3>\n
\nWhen<\/strong> you are at the store, buy some milk.<\/div>\n
\nShe was humming while<\/strong> she was making dinner.<\/div>\n
\nWhen to Use \u201cWhile\u201d<\/h2>\n
While + Past Continuous + Past Continuous<\/h4>\n
\nWhen to Use \u201cWhen\u201d<\/h2>\n
1\ufe0f\u20e3 Two Short Actions Happening at the Same Time<\/h3>\n
When + Past Simple + Past Simple<\/h4>\n
2\ufe0f\u20e3 A Long Action Interrupted by a Short Action<\/h3>\n
Past Continuous + when + Past Simple<\/h4>\n
3\ufe0f\u20e3 Talking About Age<\/h3>\n
When + age + Past Simple<\/h4>\n
Past Continuous + when + age<\/h4>\n
\n\n
\n Usage<\/b><\/th>\n While<\/b><\/th>\n When<\/b><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n \n A long action interrupted by a short action<\/b><\/td>\n \u274c (Not used in this case)<\/td>\n \u2705 I was reading when<\/b> the phone rang.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Two long actions happening at the same time<\/b><\/td>\n \u2705 While<\/b> she was writing, I was reading.<\/td>\n \u274c (Not used in this case)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Two short actions happening at the same time or one after the other<\/b><\/td>\n \u274c (Not used in this case)<\/td>\n \u2705 He left when<\/b> she arrived.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n Talking about age<\/b><\/td>\n \u274c (Not used in this case)<\/td>\n \u2705 When<\/b> I was 15, I got my first job.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
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