In Vietnamese, when describing two actions happening simultaneously in the past, we often use expressions like “khi, trong khi, trong lúc.” Similarly, in English, WHEN and WHILE are two common conjunctions used with the Past Continuous Tense. However, despite their similarities in meaning, their usage can vary depending on the context.
So how do we use WHEN and WHILE correctly in both daily practice and IELTS exams? Let’s find out below.
1. What Are WHEN and WHILE?
In the Past Continuous Tense, WHEN and WHILE are conjunctions used to connect clauses, indicating the timing of an event or action. They introduce time-related clauses that help set the context.
When = at the moment that
While = during the time that
Example with WHEN:
The children were shouting when the teacher came in.
Example with WHILE:
While I was jogging, it started raining.
2. Sentence Structures: Past Continuous with WHEN and WHILE
Although both WHEN and WHILE can be used to describe past events, their structures and functions may differ. Here's a breakdown:
Conjunction | Structure | Position in Sentence | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
When | When + clause | Beginning or middle. Use a comma when placed at the start. | The children were shouting when the teacher came in. |
While | While + clause | Generally at the beginning, showing two parallel actions. | While I was jogging, it started raining. |
3. Comparing WHEN vs WHILE in the Past Continuous Tense
3.1 Similarities
Both WHEN and WHILE share the following characteristics:
Structure: WHEN/WHILE + clause
Position: Beginning or middle of a sentence (comma used if at the beginning)
Function: Describe actions happening in the past with an interruption or overlapping events
3.2 Differences
When | While |
|---|---|
Refers to a short, specific point in time | Refers to a longer period or ongoing action |
Often paired with a simple past clause | Commonly used with another past continuous clause |
4. Exercises: Past Continuous with WHEN and WHILE
Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks with WHEN or WHILE
James was going to school by bike ______ I was walking to school.
He was there quite a ______.
You’ll be fine in a ______.
Nhi is very outgoing, ______ Hoa is shy and quiet.
I was cooking ______ suddenly I heard a noise.
______ Rose was reading a book, her husband went to work.
______ San and Kat were eating in the kitchen, the doorbell rang.
Benda was playing in a volleyball team ______ he was a kid.
Jack came home ______ her brother was playing games.
______ Nhi was crying, the rain started.
Exercise 2: Complete the sentences with the correct verb tense
She met him while she ______ (travel) on a train.
While the woman was getting off the bus, she ______ (fall down).
The thief ______ (break) into the house while we were sleeping.
Lan took a photo while I ______ (not/look).
While my mum was working in the garden, she ______ (hurt) her back.
We were living in Hanoi when our old aunt ______ (die).
When I got up this morning, it ______ (rain) heavily.
While my dad was brushing his teeth, my mum ______ (fall asleep).
I saw a nightmare while I ______ (sleep) last night.
What happened in your dream while a monster ______ (chase) you?
He ______ (study) Chemistry when my friends ______ (come) around.
While Hoa ______ (walk) in the street, she ______ (meet) her ex.
Her baby ______ (wake) up while she ______ (wash) the dishes.
He ______ (work) when his wife ______ (phone) him.
The students ______ (have) a test when the storm ______ (start).
Answer Key
Exercise 1:
While
While
While
While
While
When
When
When
When
While
Exercise 2:
was travelling
fell down
broke
was not looking
hurt
died
was raining
fell asleep
was sleeping
was chasing
was studying – came
was walking – met
woke up – was washing
was working – phoned
were having – started
Mastering WHEN and WHILE in the Past Continuous Tense
With the above explanations and practice exercises, you should now have a clearer understanding of how to use WHEN and WHILE in the Past Continuous Tense, both in daily conversations and IELTS test situations.
To further strengthen your skills:
Practice regularly with grammar exercises
Access IELTS resources such as online workshops, study guides, and personalized IELTS preparation courses
Use the IELTS by IDP app to access free classes and mock tests
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