New here? This is lesson 203 of a free 240-lesson English course.
While and even in English
Ana sits at the Blue Plate on a slow afternoon. Dee refills Murray's cup again, and he keeps talking.
Ana sketches while she waits. Two things can happen at once.
By the end, you'll say while for two actions, and even when something surprises you.
You'll also say you can do both at the same time, and that more and more people say that.
By the end of this lesson
Say two things happen at once with while, and use even when something is a surprise.
- I listen while I walk.I play audio during a walk.
- I can do both at the same time.I can do two things together.
- He didn't even finish his coffee.He didn't drink the last of it.
- Even I don't know.I have no idea either, which is a surprise.
- We talked while we ate.We had a conversation during the meal.
- More and more people say that.A growing number of people say this.
Scene — a slow afternoon
Same slow afternoon at the Blue Plate. Ana sits at the counter with her sketchbook. Dee walks the line with the coffee pot.
Murray is on two stools, talking. His cup is almost full again. The jukebox by the door stays quiet.
Learn — while and even
Six lines help you say two things happen together, and that something is a surprise.
You'll use while, even, and at the same time.
I listen while I walk.
I play audio during a walk.
When to use it: Say this when you play audio during a walk.
While joins two actions that happen together.
I can do both at the same time.
I can do two things together.
When to use it: Say this when two things happen together.
This means two actions, not a new point in a talk.
He didn't even finish his coffee.
He didn't drink the last of it.
When to use it: Use this when someone leaves the last of a drink.
Even shows you are a bit surprised.
Say it: Didn't is one piece. The t is light.
Even I don't know.
I have no idea either, which is a surprise.
When to use it: Say this when you, of all people, have no idea.
Even before I shows surprise that you also do not know.
Say it: Stress the first part of even.
We talked while we ate.
We had a conversation during the meal.
When to use it: Say this when you talked during a meal.
While joins two past actions that happened together.
More and more people say that.
A growing number of people say this.
When to use it: Use this when a claim keeps spreading.
More and more means the number keeps growing.
Story — he keeps talking
Watch Murray talk while Dee refills his cup. Ana sketches, even on a slow day.
The highlighted words are the lines you just learned.
- The diner is quiet. Ana's sketchbook is open on the counter.
DeeKeep drawing, hon.She says Ana can sketch.
AnaI can do both at the same time.I can do two things together.
MurrayEnglish on the walk?He asks if she plays English on walks.- AnaI listen while I walk.I play audio during a walk.
- Dee tips the pot. Murray's cup is full again.
- DeeHe didn't even finish his coffee.He didn't drink the last of it.
- MurrayI'll get to it.He says he will drink it soon.
- DeeAt the same time, he never finishes it.Also, he leaves the last of the cup.
- AnaCan I get a refill?please fill my cup again
- DeeYou got it, hon.She will fill Ana's cup now.
- MurrayDanny stopped in. We talked while we ate.We had a conversation during the meal.
- DeeB7 again, I bet.She thinks they talked about the empty slot.
- MurrayMore and more people say that.A growing number of people say this.
- DeeYou've sat here longer than anyone, hon. Why does that slot stay quiet?She asks Murray why the empty slot plays nothing.
- MurrayEven I don't know.I have no idea either, which is a surprise.
Practice — two things at once
Ten quick exercises wait here. You'll listen, pick, fill a gap, build a line, and swap a word.
They stay short, so the round moves fast.
0 of 10 done
What did you hear?
What did you hear?
Match the pairs
English
I listen while I walk.Drop the Simple English hereI can do both at the same time.Drop the Simple English hereWe talked while we ate.Drop the Simple English hereSimple English
What do you say?
What do you say?
You wait at the counter and sketch at once.
What does it mean?
What does it mean?
He didn't even finish his coffee.
Fill the gap
Fill the gap
We had a conversation during the meal.
We talked ____ we ate.
Build the line
Build the line
A growing number of people say this.
.
Tap the words in order.
Pick the reply
Dee says:
Pick the reply
You've been looking into that empty slot for weeks. Why is it still quiet?
She thinks you have been trying to learn why the slot is empty.
And you reply with:
Swap the word
Swap the word
Murray left the last of his cup. Dee just filled it again.
He didn't even ____ his coffee.
What do you say?
What do you say?
Your cup is empty. You want more coffee.
True or false?
True or false?
This line adds one more thing that is also true.
Say it — say it back
Now you're Ana at the counter on a slow afternoon. When it's your turn, tap the microphone and speak the line.
Tap play first if you want to hear the line. Your recording stays on your device.
- DeeWhat do you do on the walk here?She asks what you do while you walk.
- Ana (you)Tell her you play audio on a walk.
Tell her you play audio on a walk.
I listen while I walk.
I play audio during a walk.
0 of 6 said
Recap — what you can say now
| English | Simple English | Play |
|---|---|---|
| I listen while I walk. | I play audio during a walk. | |
| I can do both at the same time. | I can do two things together. | |
| He didn't even finish his coffee. | He didn't drink the last of it. | |
| Even I don't know. | I have no idea either, which is a surprise. | |
| We talked while we ate. | We had a conversation during the meal. | |
| More and more people say that. | A growing number of people say this. |
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Keep practicing with Yak Cards
Want to keep while and even handy? Grab the Yak Cards for this lesson and review them anywhere.
A quick round with the Yak Cards each day keeps while and even ready at the counter.
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