During vs. Throughout — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 21, 2024
"During" specifies a particular time period for an event, whereas "throughout" implies an action or state that persists over the entire duration.
Difference Between During and Throughout
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"During" refers to a specific, often limited period when an event occurs. For instance, "during the meeting" implies that something happens within the time frame of that meeting. On the other hand, "throughout" suggests a continuous or repeated presence or action across the entire time span or area. "Throughout the meeting" indicates something was consistently occurring from start to finish.
"During" is typically followed by a noun or noun phrase that defines a clear temporal boundary. It helps in pinpointing activities or states to a definite section of time. Conversely, "throughout" can express a more generalized period, often used to emphasize the extensive nature or uniformity of an occurrence across time or space.
"During" can be used to highlight moments or instances within broader events, focusing on segments rather than the whole. For example, "during the concert, the lights failed twice." Whereas "throughout" would convey a different emphasis: "throughout the concert, the band played flawlessly," suggesting ongoing action during the entire event.
When considering spatial context, "during" is less commonly used, focusing predominantly on temporal aspects. In contrast, "throughout" can apply to both time and physical spaces, such as "throughout the city," indicating an action or feature extending over the entire area.
The use of "during" often connotes a sense of concurrency with a specific event or time, like "during the 1990s." Meanwhile, "throughout" can be utilized to denote thoroughness or completeness in both time and space, as in "throughout his career."
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Comparison Chart
Temporal Scope
Specific period; limited duration
Entire duration; comprehensive
Spatial Use
Rarely used spatially
Used both temporally and spatially
Emphasis
Focus on part of the duration
Emphasis on entirety or repetition
Common Contexts
Events, stories, defined periods
Actions, characteristics, areas
Example
During the summer
Throughout the year
Compare with Definitions
During
Within the time of.
Many innovations were made during the 20th century.
Throughout
For the duration of.
She felt ill during the entire trip.
During
Throughout the course of (an event).
During the show, the audience was silent.
Throughout
At a particular point in time.
The lights went out during the storm.
During
Concurrently with.
She received several texts during her lecture.
Throughout
At all times during.
The park is open throughout the year.
During
For the duration of.
She felt ill during the entire trip.
Throughout
Over the whole area or extent.
Snow covered the ground throughout the state.
During
At a particular point in time.
The lights went out during the storm.
Throughout
Throughout the course of (an event).
During the show, the audience was silent.
During
Throughout the course or duration of
Suffered food shortages during the war.
Throughout
Within the time of.
Many innovations were made during the 20th century.
During
At some time in
Was born during a blizzard.
Throughout
From the beginning to the end of.
He maintained his composure throughout the ordeal.
During
For all of a given time interval.
I lived with my parents during the 1970s.
The shop was one of the few able to stay open during the war.
Throughout
Consistently during.
She has been a reliable friend throughout our lives.
During
At any time or period within a given time interval.
I lived with my parents at several points during the 1980s.
Many of the best examples were produced during the Restoration.
Throughout
Concurrently with.
She received several texts during her lecture.
During
Present participle of dure
Throughout
In, to, through, or during every part of; all through
The road is kept open throughout the year.
During
In the time of; as long as the action or existence of; as, during life; during the space of a year.
Throughout
In or through all parts; everywhere
The material is flawed throughout.
Throughout
During the entire time or extent
Though unsure how her speech would be received, she remained calm and professional throughout.
Throughout
In every part of; all through.
Throughout
(obsolete) Completely through, right the way through.
Throughout
In every part; everywhere.
Throughout
During an entire period of time, the whole time.
Throughout
Quite through; from one extremity to the other of; also, every part of; as, to search throughout the house.
Nor to their idle orbs doth sight appearOf sun, or moon, or star, throughout the year.
Throughout
In every part; as, the cloth was of a piece throughout.
Throughout
From first to last;
The play was excellent end-to-end
Throughout
Used to refer to cited works
Common Curiosities
Can "during" and "throughout" be used interchangeably?
Not typically, as they convey different scopes and durations.
What does "during" imply in use?
"During" implies something happening at a specific time within a longer event.
Can "during" apply to spatial contexts?
Rarely, it's predominantly used for temporal contexts.
How does "throughout" differ in spatial use compared to "during"?
"Throughout" is applicable both spatially and temporally, indicating extension over an area or throughout a time period.
Is "throughout" suitable for describing an action over an entire event?
Yes, it emphasizes continuity or consistent presence over the whole event.
What is an example of using "during" in a sentence?
During the exam, all students must remain silent.
Which is more appropriate for indicating something that happens repeatedly over a period?
"Throughout" would be more appropriate for indicating repeated or continuous action.
Does "during" focus on a specific moment?
Yes, it focuses more on specific moments within a broader time frame.
What is an example of using "throughout" in a sentence?
He was attentive throughout the lecture.
How does "throughout" emphasize time in its use?
It emphasizes duration and consistency across a time span.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
