During vs For: What’s the Difference? (Simple ESL Guide)

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Many English learners confuse during and for because both are connected to time.
However, they are used in very different ways.

Let’s break it down step by step.

1. How We Use “During”

During tells us when something happens, not how long it lasts.

It is used with:

  • events
  • periods of time
  • nouns (not numbers)

Structure

during + noun

Examples

  • I fell asleep during the movie.
  • She met her husband during college.
  • The phone rang during dinner.
  • Many people travel during the summer.

Key Idea

During = inside the time of an event

You are talking about what happened while something else was happening.

2. How We Use “For”

For tells us how long something lasts.

It is used with:

  • lengths of time
  • numbers + time words

Structure

for + length of time

Examples

  • I studied English for two hours.
  • He lived in Japan for five years.
  • We waited for a long time.
  • She has been teaching for 30 years.

Key Idea

For = duration (how long)

You are focusing on the length of time, not the event itself.

3. “During” vs “For” Side-by-Side

  • I slept during the flight.
    (When did you sleep? While the flight was happening.)
  • I slept for three hours.
    (How long did you sleep? Three hours.)

Both sentences are correct—but they answer different questions.

4. Common Mistakes to Avoid

Incorrect

  • I studied during two hours.
  • She lived there during five years.

Correct

  • I studied for two hours.
  • She lived there for five years.

Remember:

  • Numbers + time → FOR
  • Events / periods → DURING

5. Quick Practice

Choose during or for.

  1. I hurt my knee ___ the game.
  2. He worked at the company ___ ten years.
  3. She fell asleep ___ the class.
  4. We stayed in Kyoto ___ three days.

Answers

  1. during
  2. for
  3. during
  4. for

6. Final Tip for Learners

Ask yourself this simple question:

  • When did it happen? → during
  • How long did it last? → for

If you remember this, you’ll avoid most mistakes with these two words.

Want to Practice This in a Real Lesson?

Understanding grammar is one thing—but using it naturally when you speak is the real goal.

If you’d like to practice during vs for (and other common ESL problem points) with clear explanations and real conversation practice, you’re welcome to try a free online lesson with me.

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