Category Archives: Language

whilst v. while

What is the difference between whilst and while. When should each be used in a sentence. I understand that Americans don’t use whilst but I think it is important.

ANSWER PERSON RESPONDS: Whilst is used primarily in British English as a synonym for the conjunction form of “while.” You would not use it for the noun form of while: “I’m going away for a whilst” is a no-no. Nor for the verb form of while: “I will whilst away my time while I’m on vacation” is no good, although “I will while away my time whilst I’m on vacation” might be OK.

I don’t know if it’s “important,” but it seems to keep “while” from being used in so many different contexts. However, I don’t see any confusion arising from using “while” as a conjunction.

Since I’ll admit that I’m American, I have trouble telling when whilst is best used, so strike up a conversation with one of our British colleagues.