Common Errors - While

while

conjunction

1

BAD: The Japanese have a tendency to keep silent while meetings.

GOOD: The Japanese have a tendency to keep silent during meetings.

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While (conjunction) introduces a clause: 'While we were on holiday, we did a lot of walking.' 

During (preposition) introduces a noun phrase: 'During the holiday we did a lot of walking.' 

2

BAD: While I drove to the airport, my car broke down.

GOOD: While I was driving to the airport, my car broke down.

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To refer to a 'background action', use the past progressive tense

(was /were doing ): 'While I was having a bath, the telephone rang.'

3

BAD: Who will look after the children while you will be at work?

GOOD: Who will look after the children while you are at work?