Hey there! So, you’re wondering about the difference between “whilst” and “while” and which one is correct to use. That’s a great question! Let’s dive right in and sort it out.
Both “whilst” and “while” are conjunctions that can be used to mean the same thing – during the time that something is happening or for the duration of a particular period. However, there are slight differences in usage and formality.
The word “while” is more commonly used in everyday conversation and writing. It is considered more informal and is widely accepted in both British and American English. For example, you might say, “I’ll be reading a book while you watch TV.” or “Can you hold on for a while?”
On the other hand, “whilst” is more commonly used in British English. It is considered slightly more formal but is still perfectly acceptable in everyday language. An example of its usage could be, “Let’s go for a walk whilst the weather is still good.” or “She listened attentively whilst the professor explained the concept.”
One important thing to note is that “whilst” is rarely used in American English. So if you’re taking the IELTS exam and aiming for a higher score, it might be better to stick with “while” in your writing to avoid any confusion or potential mistakes.
In terms of the structure of sentences, both “whilst” and “while” can function as subordinating conjunctions. This means that they join a dependent clause (a part of the sentence with a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone as a complete sentence) to an independent clause (a complete sentence with a subject and a verb).
Here are a few examples of how “while” and “whilst” can be used:
– “While I was cooking dinner, my sister set the table.” (dependent clause: “While I was cooking dinner”; independent clause: “my sister set the table”)
– “I’m going to do my homework whilst you’re at soccer practice.” (dependent clause: “whilst you’re at soccer practice”; independent clause: “I’m going to do my homework”)
– “He played video games while his parents were away.” (dependent clause: “while his parents were away”; independent clause: “He played video games”)
As you can see, both “whilst” and “while” serve the same purpose of connecting two clauses in these examples. The choice between the two mainly depends on the level of formality you want to convey and whether you are using British or American English.
In conclusion, “whilst” and “while” are similar conjunctions that can be used interchangeably with slight differences in formality. “While” is more commonly used in both British and American English, while “whilst” is primarily used in British English. So, go ahead and decide which one suits your purpose best, just keeping in mind the context and audience you are writing or speaking to.
I hope this explanation has cleared things up for you. While it may take some practice to become comfortable with their usage, remember that language is flexible and evolves over time. So, whilst you’re learning, feel free to experiment and find your own style!