When + for a moment verb(emphasis on point) While + duration action or verb(emphasis on long term)
So, 1 and 2 correct
3. When I was taking a shower, the phone rang(it is wrong)
4. While the phone rang, I was taking a shower.(it is wrong) If you think "the ringing lasted throughout the shower", we have to write to While the phone was ringing, I was taking a shower (my meaning is there are two actions at the same time)
Best Regards Wei-De
I still do not understand about what your wrote. Please further explain since I would like to know more about this question.
My English speaking friend and I decided the difference is in the length of time.
When is about a single point in time (a moment) like a clap, or a phone ringing, or a drink.
While is about a period of time (duration) like taking a long bath, or going for a long run.
So sometimes they are interchangeable but the emphases changes.
So in some cases it is interchangeable but in some cases it is not.
A lot of thanks that was too useful
hi I am a middle eastern student and i got this question as follow : 1. , the phone rang . A. WHILE TAKING A SHORE B. WHEN TAKING A SHOWER C. As i was taking a shower
While + duration action or verb(emphasis on long term)
So,
1 and 2 correct
3. When I was taking a shower, the phone rang(it is wrong)
4. While the phone rang, I was taking a shower.(it is wrong)
If you think "the ringing lasted throughout the shower", we have to write to
While the phone was ringing, I was taking a shower (my meaning is there are two actions at the same time)
Best Regards
Wei-De
When is about a single point in time (a moment) like a clap, or a phone ringing, or a drink.
While is about a period of time (duration) like taking a long bath, or going for a long run.
So sometimes they are interchangeable but the emphases changes.
So in some cases it is interchangeable but in some cases it is not.
I am a middle eastern student and i got this question as follow :
1. , the phone rang .
A. WHILE TAKING A SHORE
B. WHEN TAKING A SHOWER
C. As i was taking a shower
so which one is the correct answer and why please
A. The word 'shore' is impossible in this context
B. Phones don't take showers.
C. The word I is not capitalised.