A1preposition1K

During

UK /["/ˈdjʊərɪŋ/"]/US /["/ˈdʊrɪŋ/"]/

Definition

all through a period of time

In simple words: At the time when something happens

Examples

  • during the 1990s
  • There are extra flights to Colorado during the winter.
  • Please remain seated during the performance.
  • He was taken to the hospital during the night.
  • I only saw her once during my stay in Rome.

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').

Grammar pattern

during + noun (phrase)

Memory hint

Think of 'during' as 'doing' something in the time of an event.

Collocations

  • during the day
  • during the meeting
  • during the event
  • during summer
  • during the game

Synonyms

  • throughout
  • in the course of
  • at the time of

Antonyms

  • after
  • before

Common mistakes

  • Confusing 'during' with 'while'
  • Using 'during' with verbs instead of nouns
  • Incorrectly placing 'during' at the end of a sentence