This document provides examples of using "while" and "when" to describe actions happening simultaneously or sequentially. "While" is used to express two continuous actions overlapping in time, like "While you were sleeping, I was doing housework." "When" can be used to connect an action that occurred during or immediately after another action, like "When we were in the city center, we went to restaurants" or "When Joe shouted at Tina, she left him." The document also contains a grammar exercise filling in blanks with "when" or "while" and changing verbs to past tense.

1. 6. I liked working in group and pairs , I
when a boy (offer) help.
mother was combing her hair.
_ (make) the beds.
'While' is used to express two continuous actions happening at the same time. 'When' is used to express an action
that happened in the course of another action.
Example: While you were sleeping , I was
doing the housework. Example: When we were in the city center
, we went to nice restaurants.
'While' or 'When' is used when a continuous
long action is interrupted by a short action. 'When' is used to express an action that
happened immediately after another action.
Example: (while) I was doing homework , (when)
my mother knocked at the door.Example: When Joe shouted at Tina , she left
him in the cafe and went away.
Fill in the blanks with 'WHEN' or
Complete the sentences with 'Past
'WHILE' Simple' or 'Past Continuous' using
1. my father was reading a book , my
mother was looking at the family album. the verbs in brackets
1. Mr.Thompson _ (drive) very
2. I was having a shower , _ my friend
broke my mother's favourite vase. fast when he hit a tree.
2. Jack (milk) the cows when
3. the teacher came into the classroom
,some students were arguing with each other. a stranger came into the barn.
3. Susan (see) the burglar
having tea and biscuits. while he was rushing into his car.
4. My uncle (listen) to the
relatives with her mother. radio when the earthquake happened.
5. The old lady was trying to cross the street
was a secondary school student.
7. Sue was waiting for the 12 o'clock 6. All the children (sleep)
train , she met an old friend.
8. The Pearsons were having a large breakfast , 7. While Mr.Triump (fix) the television , he
fell asleep.
the doorbell rang.
9. My father was waiting in the car , 8. Tina was playing with her dolls when her
brother (finish) his
my mother was doing shopping.
10.What were you doing the teacher homework.
9. I was working on the Science project when
looked at you suddenly.
11. the train left , Thomas was rushing you _ (come) into the room with a big
chocolate cake in your hand.
to the station.
12.The electricity went off , we were 10.The children (play) tennis
when their grandmother called them for
13. Mathew was going to the library , lunch.
11.Jack and Steven (have
14.The baby boy started crying , _ his dinner) when the heard a strange noise.
12.My brother was tidying the bookcase while I
15. the mother was doing the washing up , the twins were
sweeping the floor. 13.What (you do) when
16.The sun was rising , we reached
he summit of the mountain. 14.Who (speak) while the teacher was
introducing the new subject?
17. Susan entered the living room ,
everybody began singing 'Happy Birthday'. 15.I suddenly (fall down)
while I was running away from the monster
18.Mr.Robinson fell off the tree _ he