When and While

A. Read the following examples and understand how when and while are used in past tense:

Modal 1

Last Saturday, Maya was preparing for her final exam at home. While she was reading her notes, the rain was falling heavily outside. When the electricity went out, she lit a candle and continued studying. While her younger brother was watching television, Maya was solving difficult questions. When her phone rang, she ignored it and focused on her work. While the night was growing darker, she remained calm and confident. When the exam day arrived, Maya felt proud because she had studied sincerely.

Modal 2

Yesterday, Anita was working on a school project in her room. While she was searching for information on her laptop, her mother was cooking dinner in the kitchen. When the internet stopped working, Anita felt worried for a moment. While she was writing notes by hand, her father came home from work. When he asked about her project, she explained everything patiently. While the family was eating dinner together, Anita was thinking about her unfinished work. When everyone went to bed, she returned to her room. While the house was quiet, she completed the project carefully. When she finally finished, Anita felt relaxed and satisfied with her effort.

Modal 3

Last winter, Rohan was walking to school early in the morning. While he was crossing the quiet street, the sun was slowly rising behind the hills. When he reached the school gate, he realized he had forgotten his homework. While he was thinking about what to do, the bell rang loudly. When the teacher entered the classroom, Rohan quickly took his seat. While his friends were chatting, he was revising his lessons. When the class ended, he felt relieved. While he was returning home in the afternoon, he decided to be more careful in the future. When he reached home, his mother smiled at him warmly.

1. Use of when and while:

• When is used for a short, completed or sudden action whereas while is used for a longer, ongoing background action
• When commonly connects past simple with past simple or past continuous whereas while is mostly used with the past continuous tense
• When highlights the main event whereas while provides the background information
• When is used to explain interruption whereas while for simultaneous actions

Practice:     Join the following pairs of sentences using when and while.

1. Bibha Kumari was doing her homework. The doorbell rang.
2. I heard the telephone ring. I picked it up.
3. Dil Maya found a thousand rupee note. She was washing her pants.
4. Tenjing gave his measurements to the dressmaker. He was visiting the market yesterday.
5. I was at the butcher’s shop. I met Harikala.
6. The sales agent was dealing with the customer. A thief stole the jewels.
7. My small brother was sleeping. I played chess with my father.
8. The old lady fell down. She was climbing up the stairs.
9. The leader was giving a speech loudly. He lost his voice.
10. Kanchan broke her backbone. She was lifting up the load.
11. Sita was cooking dinner. The gas cylinder finished.
12. Ram heard a strange noise. He opened the window.
13. Nima slipped on the road. He was running fast.
14. The teacher entered the classroom. The students were talking loudly.
15. Sunita lost her purse. She was travelling by bus.
16. I was waiting at the bus stop. It started to rain heavily.
17. The children were playing in the field. The ball broke the window.
18. Hari met his old friend. He was returning from work.
19. The electrician got an electric shock. He was repairing the switch.
20. Rupa was washing clothes. She hurt her finger.
21. The principal announced the result. The students were sitting silently.
22. Milan was riding his bicycle. A dog suddenly chased him.
23. We were watching a movie. The lights went out.
24. Pema found an old photograph. She was cleaning the cupboard.
25. The driver fell asleep. He was driving at night.
26. I remembered my passport. I reached the airport.
27. The baby started crying. Her mother was cooking.
28. Bikash hurt his leg. He was playing football.
29. The shopkeeper was closing the shop. A customer arrived.
30. She felt nervous. The interview started.