during - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
during Word Meanings
- For the duration of a specified period of time.
- At some point in the course of an event or action.
- While something is taking place.
during Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
during Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈdjʊərɪŋ/
US
/ˈdʒʊrɪŋ/
during Word Etymology
Root: dur- = to last; Historical origin: Latin 'durare' → Old French 'durant' → English 'during'; Memory image: Imagine a clock ticking while an event unfolds, symbolizing the duration of time passing.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I set the camera on the tripod, pull the light into place, and take a steady breath. During the take, I adjust my posture, shift the camera a notch, and keep the frame's pace as the scene plays out. The hands move, the timer ticks, and I feel the effort of staying focused as the action runs its course. That moment teaches me to talk about time inside an event, as in during the shot or during the take.
Real Context
During is used to refer to the entire period of a time or event, or to indicate something happens at a point within that period. It answers questions like 'for how long?' or 'at what point in the event?'. It normally comes before a noun phrase indicating the time, as in during the summer, during the meeting, during the night, or during surgery. It contrasts with for, which emphasizes duration, and with in or on, which may describe other relationships with time. Learners should notice collocations such as during the course of, during which, and during the event's progression. When reporting past events, during + noun helps convey the time frame clearly.
Usage Reminders
- Use during to mark a time period or a point within an event.
- Place during before a time noun phrase (during the summer, during the meeting).
- Contrast with for to emphasize duration; use for a total length.
- Be mindful of phrases like during the course of, during which, or during the event’s progression.
- Avoid placing during at the start of a sentence unless the following phrase makes the time clear.
Common Misconceptions
- During always refers to a moment in time, not a duration.
- During cannot be used for events that last a long time unless a point within it is emphasized.
- During is not interchangeable with in in most time-related senses.
- Learners may confuse during with while, which often marks simultaneous actions.
- Some languages use a single preposition for both 'in' and 'during' time; English makes a clear distinction.
Thinking Differences
English learners often map during directly to a single point in time, but it also marks stretches of time inside an event; confusion with while or for is common, especially with ongoing actions.
Learning Tips
- memorize common collocations with during
- practice distinguishing during vs for vs in
- note that during can precede a time noun or noun phrase
- use during to describe processes within events
- listen for pauses where during marks a time frame
- create your own sentences using during to reinforce meaning
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'during'?
A.Beforehand
B.Afterward
C.At the same time as
D.Randomly
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'during' used in a sentence?
A.They study during the weekend
B.He slept during the day
C.She cooks during the night
D.I work during the morning
Step 3: Similar Words
Which of the following is a similar word to 'during'?
A.Before
B.After
C.While
D.Suddenly
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'during'?
A.After
B.Before
C.Inside
D.Outside
Step 5: Mastery
In what context would you use the word 'during'?
A.Describing feelings
B.Discussing future plans
C.Expressing preferences
D.Talking about activities in a specific period
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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