Definitions
- Used in British English to mean 'during the time that' or 'at the same time as'. - Often used in formal writing or speech. - Can be used interchangeably with 'while', but less commonly used in American English.
- Used to indicate a period of time during which something happens. - Can be used as a noun, verb, or conjunction. - Commonly used in both British and American English.
List of Similarities
- 1Both words are used to indicate a period of time.
- 2Both can be used as conjunctions.
- 3Both can be used to connect two clauses or ideas.
- 4Both are interchangeable in many contexts.
What is the difference?
- 1Usage: Whilst is more commonly used in British English, while while is used in both British and American English.
- 2Formality: Whilst is considered more formal than while.
- 3Position: Whilst is often used at the beginning of a sentence, while while can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
- 4Meaning: Whilst can also mean 'although' or 'in spite of the fact that', while while does not have this additional meaning.
- 5Connotation: Whilst may sound archaic or old-fashioned to some people, while while is more neutral.
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Remember this!
Whilst and while are synonyms that are used to indicate a period of time. However, whilst is more commonly used in British English and is considered more formal than while. Additionally, whilst can also mean 'although' or 'in spite of the fact that', while while does not have this additional meaning.
