Cool MateDuring vs Throughout
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
During
Top 1,000 (very common)A1preposition
Throughout
Top 2,000 (common)B1
Most common: During
| During | Throughout | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdjʊərɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdʊrɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/θruːˈaʊt/"]/🇺🇸 /["/θruːˈaʊt/"]/ |
| Meaning | At the time when something happens | In every part or all the time during a period. |
| Example | during the 1990s | They export their products to markets throughout the world. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B1 |
| Part of speech | preposition | |
| Collocations | during the day, during the meeting, during the event, during summer, during the game | throughout the year, throughout history, throughout the country, throughout the event |
| Antonyms | after, before | briefly, intermittently |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'during' with 'while', Using 'during' with verbs instead of nouns, Incorrectly placing 'during' at the end of a sentence | Using 'throughout' when 'through' or 'during' is more appropriate., Confusing 'throughout' with 'all through' which can sound informal., Omitting the noun that follows 'throughout' leading to incomplete sentences. |
| Usage notes | Use 'during' to refer to a specific time period in which an event occurs. It's appropriate for both spoken and written English, but avoid using it with verbs directly (e.g., don't say 'during eat'). | Use 'throughout' to indicate that something happens or exists in every part of a time frame or area. It's appropriate for both written and spoken contexts, but avoid it in very casual communication where simpler alternatives are preferred. |
Frequently asked questions: During vs Throughout
What's the difference between During and Throughout?
During: At the time when something happens Throughout: In every part or all the time during a period.
Which is more common: During and Throughout?
During is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: During and Throughout?
Throughout is the highest level, at B1, on the CEFR scale.
Are During and Throughout the same CEFR level?
During: A1, Throughout: B1 on the CEFR scale.
Can you show an example of each?
During: during the 1990s Throughout: They export their products to markets throughout the world.
Can I use During and Throughout interchangeably?
Not always. During and Throughout are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.