Understanding during vs while
Q1. ___ the meeting, he fell asleep
DURING is followed by a noun. WHILE requires a clause. Sleep won. Meetings can have that effect.
Q2. ___ I was reading, the phone rang
WHILE introduces a clause with subject and verb. The phone interrupted. Reading paused.
Q3. She worked ___ the night
DURING is followed by a noun phrase. The night was the timeframe. Productivity varied.
Q4. ___ we were eating, they arrived
WHILE requires a subject and verb. Timing was unfortunate. Meal interrupted.
Q5. Which sentence is correct?
DURING + noun is correct. WHILE requires a clause. Emotions were engaged.