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Q

Medium 1 Mark

English Tenses

When is 'while' used versus 'when' in past continuous sentences?

A 'While' goes with the short interruption; 'when' with the ongoing action.

B 'While' goes with the ongoing background action; 'when' with the short interruption.

C Both are interchangeable.

D 'While' is only used in simple past.

'While' introduces the ongoing background action (past continuous). 'When' introduces the shorter interrupting action (simple past).

Reference: English Grammar Guide , Page 6

While + past continuous (ongoing). When + simple past (interruption).