Use of DURING

[alexzive]

Hello again!

some doubts about the use of DURING, which of the following sentences are correct?

1a) I personally practiced classroom learning the last semester

or

1b) I personally practiced classroom learining DURING the last semester

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2a) I really enjoyed sharing my time with nice people DURING THE preparation of the exams

2b) I really enjoyed sharing my time with nice people DURING preparation of the exams

2c)I really enjoyed sharing my time with nice people BY preparing the exams

thanks!
Alex

[Conchita]

You can say either:

1a) I personally practiced classroom learning last semester. (without the article)

or:

1b) I personally practiced classroom learning DURING the last semester.

Sentence 1b) suggests that the action took place for the whole semester, whereas, in the first sentence, we understand 'sometime last semester'.

Sentence 2a) is correct:

I really enjoyed sharing my time with nice people DURING THE preparation of the exams.

[alexzive]

Conchita,
Thank you very much for your detailed answer
Alex