AS? WHILE? WHEN? in English grammar

Summary

In this lesson, Arnel explains the differences and uses of 'as,' 'while,' and 'when' in English, focusing on how they express simultaneous actions, interrupted actions, and the sequence of events. Through a detailed Venn diagram and numerous examples, he demonstrates how these words can be interchangeable or distinct depending on context. Arnel also addresses advanced nuances like omitting subjects and using these words to indicate cause or contrast. The lesson wraps up with a test to reinforce the learning, making it a comprehensive guide for mastering these commonly confusing words.

Takeaways

• 😀 'As,' 'while,' and 'when' can describe two actions happening at the same time, but 'while' and 'as' are more commonly used for this purpose.
• 😀 When starting a sentence with 'as,' 'while,' or 'when,' a comma should separate the clauses. No comma is needed if they appear in the middle of the sentence.
• 😀 'While' and 'as' are used to describe interrupted actions, while 'when' introduces the interrupting action.
• 😀 'As' often implies surprise or something unexpected in interrupted actions (e.g., 'As I was walking, I slipped').
• 😀 'When' is typically used to introduce the interrupting action (e.g., 'When the fire alarm went off, I was in the shower').
• 😀 'As' and 'while' can be interchangeable in most cases, but 'as' can imply more surprise or an unexpected interruption.
• 😀 It's possible to omit the subject after 'while' and 'when' if the subject is the same in both clauses (e.g., 'Luchia was reading a book while drinking her coffee').
• 😀 You cannot omit the subject with 'as' or without the 'be' verb form (e.g., 'As driving, we saw Andy' is incorrect).
• 😀 'When' can be replaced with 'after,' 'whenever,' or 'during that period' in certain contexts, especially when describing actions in a sequence or over a long period.
• 😀 'As' can also mean 'because,' but it is more formal and less common than 'because.' Context is key to understanding if 'as' means 'while' or 'because.'

Q & A

What is the main focus of the lesson in the video?

The lesson focuses on explaining the differences and proper usage of the conjunctions 'as,' 'while,' and 'when' in English, particularly for expressing simultaneous actions, interrupted actions, and their other nuanced meanings.

How do 'as,' 'while,' and 'when' function when describing two actions happening at the same time?

'As,' 'while,' and 'when' can all describe two actions occurring simultaneously. However, 'while' and 'as' are more commonly used for this purpose, as they are less likely to cause confusion, while 'when' is more versatile and has other functions.

What is the rule about using commas with 'as,' 'while,' and 'when'?

If 'as,' 'while,' or 'when' begin a sentence, a comma should be used after the first clause. If they come in the middle of a sentence, no comma is necessary.

Can 'as,' 'while,' and 'when' be used interchangeably for interrupted actions?

Yes, 'as' and 'while' can both be used to introduce an interrupted action, while 'when' introduces the interrupting action (the 'interruptor'). 'When' is used to highlight the event that interrupts another action.

What is the difference between 'as' and 'while' when describing interruptions?

'As' is often used when the interruption is surprising or unexpected. 'While' can be used in most cases, but it doesn't carry the same connotation of surprise.

Why can't 'as' be used to omit the subject and 'be' verb in the same way as 'while' and 'when'?

'As' cannot omit the subject or 'be' verb because it generally serves a more formal or specific function, such as indicating causality (meaning 'because'). In contrast, 'while' and 'when' are more flexible in structure and allow for subject omission when the subject is the same in both clauses.

In what contexts can 'while' express contrast?

In formal English, 'while' can be used to express contrast, similar to saying 'even though.' For example, 'While I enjoy cooking, I hardly ever cook during the week because I'm so busy.'

What is the difference between 'as' and 'because'?

'As' is more formal and less commonly used than 'because.' Both can express causality, but 'as' tends to sound more formal and is used less frequently in everyday conversation.

How does 'when' function differently when paired with 'after,' 'whenever,' and 'during that period'?

'When' can be used interchangeably with 'after' to indicate one event following another. 'Whenever' implies 'at any time,' and it can be used interchangeably with 'when.' 'During that period' is used to describe longer periods of time in the past, such as 'When I was in my 20s, I kept a journal.'

What is the significance of using 'when' for longer periods of time in the past?

'When' is often used to describe extended periods of time, such as past decades or stages of life. For instance, 'When I was in my 20s' refers to an ongoing period in the past, which wouldn't typically be expressed with 'while' or 'as.'