Before, during and after:
- Everybody feels nervous before exams.
- I fell asleep during the film.
- We were tired after our visit to the museum.
before, while and after:
- Don't forget to close the window before you go out.
- I often fall asleep while I'm reading.
- They went home after they did the shopping.
during while and for:
We use during + noun (during the film). We use while + verb (while I'm reading):
- We didn't speak during the meal.
but We didn't speak while we were eating (not during we were eating):
Use for (not during) + a period of time (three days / two hours / a year etc.):
- We played tennis for two hours. (not during two hours).
- I lived in London for a year. (not during a year).
You can use before/after + -ing (before going / after eating etc.):
- I always have breakfast before going to work. (= before I go to work).
- After doing the shopping, they went home. (= after they did).
We say before going (not before to go), after doing (not after to do) etc.:
- Before eating the apple, I washed it carefully. (not before to eat).
- I started work after reading the newspaper. (not after to read).
Make the sentences. Choose from the boxes:
1. Everybody was nervous before the exam.
2. I usually work four hours in the morning, and another three hours after lunch.
3. The film was really boring. We left before the end.
4. Anna went to evening classes to learn German. She learnt a lot during the course.
5. My aunt and uncle lived in London before they went to Australia.
6. A: Somebody broke a window during the night Did you hear anything
B: No, I was asleep all the .time. ?
7. Would you like to sit down while you're waiting.
8. A: Are you going home after the concert.
B: Yes, I have to get up early tomorrow.
Make sentences use during/while/for:
1. We didn't speak while we were eating.
2. We didn't speak during the meal.
3. Gary called while you were out.
4. Amy went to Italy and stayed in Rome for five days.
5. I didn't check my email while I was away.
6. The students looked very bored during the lesson.
7. I fell out of bed while I was asleep.
8. Last night I watched TV for three hours.
9. I don't usually watch TV during the day.
10. Do you ever watch TV while you are having dinner?
Make the sentences. Use -ing (doing, having etc.):
1. After doing the shopping, they went home.
2. felt sick after eating too much chocolate.
3. I'm going to ask you a question. Think carefully before answering it.
4. I felt awful when I got up this morning. I felt better after having/taking a shower.
5. After finishing/doing my work, I left the office and went home.
6. Before going/traveling to a foreign country, it's good to try and learn a little of the language.
Make sentences with before + -ing and after + -ing:
1. They did the shopping. Then they went home. After doing the shopping, they went home.
2. John left school. Then he worked in a bookshop for two years. John worked in a bookshop for two years after leaving school.
3. I read for a few minutes. Then I went to sleep. Before going to sleep, I read for a few minutes.
4. We walked for three hours. We were very tired. After walking for three hours, we were very tired.
5. Let's have a cup of coffee. Then we'll go out. Let's have a cup of coffee before going out.
