during
gb/dˈʊɹɪŋ/ us/dˈʊɹɪŋ/
A2
English
~ 300
Senses
0 senses
preposition
A2
relation
1
throughout a time period
At some time between the start and end of a period.
Usage pattern:
during [event/time period]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'during' with 'while'. 'During' is followed by a noun, not a clause. For example, say 'during the meeting' not 'during we met'.
Synonyms
throughout (Emphasizes that something continues for the whole period, while 'during' can refer to any time within it.)
|
in (In some contexts, 'in' can replace 'during', but it is less precise for events.)
Antonyms
before (Refers to a time earlier than the start of the period.)
|
after (Refers to a time later than the end of the period.)
Collocations
during the day
|during the meeting
|during the summer
|during the night
|during the war
Themes
daily life
|time
|events
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- I fell asleep during the movie.
- No one is allowed to leave during the exam.
- She stayed calm during the storm.
- We met several times during the summer.
- The lights went out during dinner.
Learner examples
- It rained during the night.
- I read a book during lunch.
- He smiled during the class.
- We talked during the break.
- She was happy during her trip.
Grammar
Dictionary form
during
IPA
GB/dˈʊɹɪŋ/
US/dˈʊɹɪŋ/
Syllables & stress
dur - ing (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (dur)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: during
- Plural: durings
Word family
Forms
durings
noun
Core family
duration
noun B1
Expressions
during office hours
1/dˈʊɹɪŋ ˈɔfɪs ˈaʊɚz/
fixed phrase
within working hours
At some time when offices are open for work.
Examples
- Please call back during office hours.
- You can only enter the building during office hours.
during the course of
1/dˈʊɹɪŋ ðə kˈɔɹs əv/
fixed phrase
formal
in the time span of
At some time in a particular period.
Examples
- Several changes were made during the course of the project.
- He learned many skills during the course of his studies.