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Post by Pete on Jan 22, 2009 9:30:13 GMT
While / whilst
Among / amongst
etc.
What's the difference?
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Glyn
Bronze
Posts: 87
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Post by Glyn on Jan 22, 2009 10:51:25 GMT
Though most, if not all, authorities view "while" and "whilst" as synonymous conjunctions, like "among/amongst" and "amid/amidst", I prefer to keep "while" to reflect a simultaneous action and "whilst" to mean "whereas".
Nero fiddled while Rome burned/Nero fiddled, whilst Satchmo trumpeted.
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Post by Alan Palmer on Jan 22, 2009 15:23:57 GMT
That's my view. It should also be mentioned that "whilst" is almost unknown in the USA, and is viewed with quite startling suspicion when it is met.
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Post by Pete on Jan 22, 2009 21:50:43 GMT
That's my view. It should also be mentioned that "whilst" is almost unknown in the USA, and is viewed with quite startling suspicion when it is met. Presumably handcuffed, locked up and subjected to persuasive interrogation techniques? |
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Post by Pete on Jan 22, 2009 21:52:52 GMT
Though most, if not all, authorities view "while" and "whilst" as synonymous conjunctions, like "among/amongst" and "amid/amidst", I prefer to keep "while" to reflect a simultaneous action and "whilst" to mean "whereas". Nero fiddled while Rome burned/Nero fiddled, whilst Satchmo trumpeted. Glyn, thank you for this. Is it a general rule or just a personal preference? Also, what about sentences that start with "while" or "whilst"? For example: "While/whilst I do not disagree with your answer, I have some further questions." |
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Post by Verbivore on Jan 22, 2009 22:14:02 GMT
[...] Also, what about sentences that start with "while" or "whilst"? For example: "While/whilst I do not disagree with your answer, I have some further questions." Pete: While Glyn sleeps ...  I would use whilst in your example. |
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Post by Pete on Jan 23, 2009 0:19:40 GMT
Thanks, Vv. But why? (I don't disagree, I just don't understand).
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Post by Verbivore on Jan 23, 2009 2:00:02 GMT
Thanks, Vv. But why? (I don't disagree, I just don't understand). For no better reason than that's what I've always done, and for me there is a fine - but worthwhile - shade of meaning. I can't put it better than Glyn did: |
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I would use whilst in your example.