Resources: Notes on Life and Language in the United States

How to Use "For" and "During" in English

Posted by Lindsay McMahon on Thu, Oct 18, 2012 @ 11:04 AM

how to use for and during in English grammarDo you ever get confused about when to use "for" and when to use "during" in your everyday English conversations or in your writing?

Many students of English struggle with this question.

I created today's blog post to help clear up your confusion about when to use "for" and when to use "during."

For today's lesson, please watch the video, answer the quiz questions at the end of the video and then take the quiz below.

If you are making this common mistake, let's stop it today and get you on the right track so that you can start speaking English correctly!

Good luck and feel free to reach out if you have any questions.

 

Please let us know if you like this article! Thanks




How to Use "For" and "During" in English

 

1. "For": The amount of time that something takes

I walked the dog for 15 minutes this morning.

I traveled in Egypt for 2 weeks.

 

2. "During": When something happens, a period of time

You can go apple picking in New England during the fall.

During my vacation, I plan to sleep late and spend time with friends.

 

 

Want to keep practicing? Try these questions!

 

Choose "for" or "during" to complete the sentences:

 

1. How long have you been working as a ski instructor? I have been teaching skiing ______ ten years.

 

2. ______ our stay in Tokyo, we ate some amazing sushi.

 

3. We used to be friends but I haven't seen him _____ many years.

 

4. She had too much cake and felt sick ______ her birthday party.

 

5. ______ the day, there is sunlight for twelve hours.

 

6. I told her not to call me _____ at least three weeks.

 

 Answer Key: 1) for   2) during   3) for   4) during   5) during   6) for

 

How did you do on the quiz? Do you still have questions?

Remember, the best way to understand the differences between "for" and "during" is to go out and practice with native speakers. Listen to the way that they use the two words and practice with them.

If you like this article and would like to get more articles like this one delivered to your inbox every week, please click the orange button below. Thanks a lot!

 

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Photo credits: Highways Agency

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