vs.

During vs. Over

What's the Difference?

During and over are both prepositions that indicate a period of time. However, during is used to show when something happens within a specific time frame, while over is used to show when something happens throughout a period of time. For example, "I saw him during the meeting" indicates that the sighting occurred at some point within the meeting, while "I saw him over the course of the meeting" suggests that the sighting happened multiple times throughout the meeting.

Comparison

During
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AttributeDuringOver
DefinitionThroughout the duration ofAbove and across
Time frameSpecific periodGeneral period
UsageUsed for actions happening within a periodUsed for actions happening across a period
PrepositionPreposition of timePreposition of location
Over
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Further Detail

Definition

During and over are two prepositions that are often used interchangeably, but they actually have distinct meanings and uses. During is used to indicate a period of time in which an event takes place. For example, "I read a book during my lunch break." Over, on the other hand, is used to indicate movement across or above a particular area. For example, "The plane flew over the mountains."

Duration

One key difference between during and over is the concept of duration. During is used to describe an event that occurs within a specific time frame. For example, "I fell asleep during the movie." Over, on the other hand, is used to describe a more general period of time that something happens. For example, "She worked over the weekend."

Location

Another difference between during and over is the idea of location. During is used to describe events that happen within a specific location or context. For example, "I saw him during the meeting." Over, on the other hand, is used to describe events that happen across or above a particular location. For example, "The bird flew over the house."

Usage in Time

During is typically used to refer to events that happen within a specific time frame or period. For example, "I studied during the summer." Over, on the other hand, is used to refer to events that happen throughout a longer period of time. For example, "She worked over the course of a year."

Examples

  • During the storm, the power went out.
  • Over the course of the year, she saved up enough money to buy a car.
  • During the concert, the singer forgot the lyrics to her song.
  • The plane flew over the ocean on its way to the island.

Conclusion

In conclusion, during and over are two prepositions that have distinct meanings and uses. During is used to describe events that happen within a specific time frame or location, while over is used to describe events that happen across or above a particular area. Understanding the differences between during and over can help you use them correctly in your writing and communication.

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