during vs for

[Hakura]

Hello everybody ( it's the first time I post) Here's myquestion: I can't explain the difference between "during" and "for." Although I know you can't interchange them, I don't know how to explain why.
ex: He came during the summer. / He stayed for two days.
It would be great if anyone could help! Thanks. Hakura

[Alan]

Hi Hakura,

Both 'for' and 'during' relate to what happens in periods of time.

'During' usually describes what happens within that period and 'for' usually refers to the whole period.

We say: During 1987 there were some very severe storms.

That means that the storms took place at various times during that year/within that year.

We say: Sometimes the storms lasted for 12 hours.

That means that the storms continued (without stopping) for 12 hours.

Alan
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[Hakura]

Hi, Alan
Thanks for your answer. I understand what you explained and I hope I will be able to explain that difference. to check if the use of "during" is correct you can try and use "in the course of" instead;if it works, the use of "during" is correct, isn't it
Thanks again, Hakura