Which word can replace while

Main While vs. Whilst Takeaways:

• One difference between while vs. whilst is regional.
• While is dominant in American English but whilst is a British English term.
• Another difference comes down to the parts of speech. There is some overlap between the two, but these words can have different grammatical functions.
• While works as a conjunction, noun, verb, or part of an adverb phrase.
• Whilst functions as a conjunction or part of an adverb phrase.
• If you use them as a conjunction or an adverb, while and whilst mean the same thing.
• You can start a sentence with whilst or while if you’re using them as a conjunction.
• While and when do not have the same meaning.

Much like learn vs. learnt, the difference betweenwhile vs. whilst comes down to two things: regional preferences and the parts of speech. Both are correct, but they aren’t always interchangeable. We’ll give you easy definitions and uses for these two words, plus show you how to use them perfectly.

What is the Difference Between While and Whilst?

There are two main differences between while and whilst. One is regional and one is grammatical. First, British English uses whilst as a conjunction synonymous with while, although, and notwithstanding. Conversely, US English considers whilst outdated and even pretentious, so it uses while instead. Second, while can also be a noun (please stay a while) and a verb (we whiled away the months), but whilst can’t.

Therefore, if you’re using them as a conjunction or in an adverb phrase, while and whilst are interchangeable. But, if you need a noun or a verb, you can only use while.

How Do You Use While in a Sentence?

Use while as a conjunction in a sentence to show that two events occur at the same time (I walked while she ran). You can also use while in the same way that you would use although for a contrast or contradiction (While I understand your point, I still disagree with you). Next, use while as a noun to describe an unspecified amount of time (Sit with me for a while). Finally, use while as a verb with the word “away” to describe an enjoyable way of passing time (We whiled away the daysswimming).

Here are examples of how to use while in a sentence:

In the above example, while is acting as an adverb because it is modifies the verbwaiting. In other words, the adverb gives you more information about the verb.

Here, we know while is functioning as a noun because we can replace it with the word “time,” and the sentence still makes perfect sense:

In this example, while connects two contrasting statements to help make the comparison clear.

Finally, while can also show balance. This example of while in a sentence shows that two things are happening at the same time.

When Should You Use While vs. Whilst?

Use while instead of whilst when the word functions as a noun or verb. Although while and whilst can both be conjunctions or part of an adverb phrase, only while can be a noun and a verb. As a noun, while describes a period of time (Rest for a while). As a verb, while means to cause something to pass in an enjoyable way. What’s more, when while is a verb, it’s usually followed by the word “away” (We whiled away the rainy days with games inside).

How Do You Use Whilst?

Use whilst as a conjunction to join two independent clauses, especially when describing simultaneous and continuous events (She played the piano whilst I sang). Since whilst is a subordinating conjunction, you can use it to begin a subordinate clause, especially when contrasting or contradicting (Whilst he can go, I prefer for him to stay). As an adverb, whilst describes a verb. Remember, whilst is best suited for British English, as American English speakers tend to find this word outdated and highfalutin.

Here are examples of how to use whilst:

📝 Like while, can use whilst as an adverb or conjunction in a sentence. Unlike while, you can’t use whilst as a noun or a verb.

Can You Start a Sentence With Whilst?

Like while, you can start a sentence with whilst as long as the word is functioning as a conjunction or as an adverb. In fact, both while and whilst are subordinating conjunctions. As a result, you can use these words to begin a subordinate clause.

As mentioned, both while and whilst can function as conjunctions. When they do, their meanings are identical. The only difference is the regional connotation. For example, UK English speakers tend to prefer whilst. On the other hand, US English speakers favor while and may find whilst archaic or pretentious. 

When Should I Use Whilst?

You should use whilst when British English is the standard, and when your sentence requires and adverb or a conjunction. For example, both while and whilst can function as a conjunction or as part of an adverb phrase, but British English speakers prefer whilst. Because American English speakers may find it archaic or pretentious, they tend to use while. Additionally, use whilst to describe the relationship between two events or activities that occur at the same time. Also, you can use whilst to show contrast.

Finally, you can start a subordinate clause with whilst since it is a subordinating conjunction.

We can go deeper into this question, but things become less clear. For example, objective guidelines based on concrete grammar rules become subjective impressions based on what “sounds” best.

Some instruct to use while when discussing two things happening at the same time, but whilst to describe previous simultaneous events:

Furthermore, others say to use while if the next word begins with a consonant, but use whilst if it begins with a vowel.

Similarly, there are British English speakers who caution that while is for parallel events or structures, but whilst is for creating contrast.

Is Whilst Old Fashioned?

In American English, whilst is considered old fashioned and even pretentious. This is because whilst is more common in British English. It’s important to note that when used as conjunctions and as adverbs, while and whilst mean exactly the same thing. Here, the only difference is in the connotation— not the meaning. Ironically, both whilst and while are very old words, but while is actually older.

📝 Keep in mind that while and whilst are only interchangeable sometimes. You can swap these terms if your sentence requires an adverb or conjunction. Choose whilst if you need a UK-friendly version of while.

What Does Whilst Mean in a Sentence?

Whilst references something that happens at the same time as another event or contrasts something.

Do While and When Mean the Same Thing?

While and when have different meanings, though both words reference time. Use while when discussing something that happens at the same time as another activity. Choose when if you’re describing a specific point in time.

While vs. Whilst Recap

Since both while and whilst can be conjunctions and adverbs, there is some overlap in the parts of speech that these words can play.

Still, there are clear grammatical and regional differences between these two words.

On one hand, while can also be a noun and a verb, but whilst can’t.

On the other hand, American English speakers prefer while, as whilst is a British English term with a sometimes pretentious connotation. However, it’s important to note that many people in the UK also use while.

The bottom line? Don’t while away your time debating whether to use while vs. whilst. Both terms are okay if you need a conjunction or a word to use as part of an adverb phrase. However, stick with while when your sentence calls for a noun or verb.

Ready to Ace This While vs. Whilst Quiz?

Read More: Among vs. Amongst: The Easiest way to Tell the Difference

While and whilst are simple words that many writers nonetheless don’t understand. Whilst is common in older English, though it seems to have disappeared in modern times.

Since these words are so similar, is there any difference between them? While is a versatile word that can become many parts of speech, depending on context. Is whilst just as acceptable? Continue reading to learn more about these confusing words.

What is the Difference Between While an Whilst?

In this post, I will compare while vs. whilst. I will use each in several example sentences, so you can see them each in context.

Plus, I will show you a memory tool that you can use to help you remember the difference between while or whilst.

When to Use Whilst

What does whilst mean? Whilst can either be used to mean at the same time, or to indicate contrast, like the word whereas.

Here are some examples,

• I shall walk to the parts store whilst you fiddle about with your tools.
• Samson is a productive member of society, whilst Lady Higginbotham is a vapid socialite, obsessed with the trivialities of courtly life.
• “We found that whilst the trust had investigated and trialled options, a final decision had not been taken.” –The Guardian

Whilst is an old word. It originates from Middle English, and like many words from this era, was first used in the 14th century.

Whilst is common in formal British English, but in American English, you rarely see this word, even in the most formal occasion.

When to Use While

What does while mean? While can be used as many parts of speech, including a noun, an adverb, and a verb.

In this article, though, I will focus on its use as an adverb and conjunction. In these contexts, while is a synonym of whilst.

For example,

• While Iliza was in the shower, Louis fried some eggs.
• Nihilists believe in the inherent meaninglessness of everything, while most theists believe that meaning comes from God.
• In 10 or 15 years’ time, customers could even decide while they’re at work what they want for dinner and have an MOL car pick them up with the groceries already loaded in the back, he says. –The Wall Street Journal

While is a common word in both American and British English. In American English, it gradually replaced the word whilst long before the 18th century, as the graph below shows.

This graph charts whilst vs. while across American English books since 1800.

Even in British English, while has replaced whilst in most contexts, although whilst is used more frequently than in American English.

Today, whilst seems affected and pretentious, like the speaker should be wearing a monocle while smoking a pipe and wearing a top hat. In most situations, speakers and writers will use while instead.

In some circumstances when formality is desired, one may choose to use whilst. Perhaps a wedding invitation, a graduation ceremony, or a fundraising event.

Trick to Remember the Difference

How should you remember the difference between these words? Let’s look at a memory trick.

These words are synonyms when used as a conjunction or an adverb. Since whilst is chiefly British and largely outdated, you can use the shared S between British and whilst as a clue to remember that while is more common today.

Summary

Is it whilst or while? Whilst and while are two spellings of the same word, which can be used as a conjunction or an adverb. It means at the same time or whereas.

Today, whilst is no longer common. Most writers and speakers simply use while instead.