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Both when and while can be used to talk about actions or situations that take place at the same time.
1 Backgrounds
We can use both words to introduce a longer 'background' action or situation, which is/was going on
when something else happens/happened.
Somebody broke into the house when they were playing cards.
While they were playing cards, somebody broke into the house.
Note that when and while clauses can go at the beginning or end of sentences.
We usually use while to say that two longer actions or situations go / went on at the same time.
We can use (just) when to say that two short actions or events happen / happened at the same time:
4 Reduced clauses
5. ________ she was packing the bags, I was looking for our passports.
Answer:
while
when
6. We were complaining about the weather __________ the sun broke through the clouds.
Answer:
while
when
7. Sandra was washing the dishes _________ a plate fell off the shelf.
Answer:
while
when
———————————————– . (when)
———————————————-. (while)
2) They were talking about the exam results. The manager came in.
______________________________________________________. (when)
______________________________________________________. (while)
______________________________________________________.(when)
______________________________________________________. (while)
_______________________________________________________. (when)
_______________________________________________________. (while)
_______________________________________________________.(when)
_______________________________________________________. (while)