What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
wherewith
Example
Do you have the wherewithal to complete this project? [wherewithal: noun]
Example
The company lacked the wherewithal to invest in new technology. [wherewithal: noun]
whereby
Example
The new system whereby we track inventory has improved efficiency. [whereby: adverb]
Example
The agreement established a process whereby disputes could be resolved. [whereby: conjunction]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whereby is more commonly used than wherewith in everyday language. Whereby is versatile and can be employed in various contexts, while wherewith is less common and more formal, often used in legal or financial contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between wherewith and whereby?
Wherewith and whereby are both formal words, but wherewith is more archaic and less commonly used in modern language. Whereby is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.