In formal essay writing, should one use the word "whilst" INSTEAD of "while" or "all the while as" or "in the meantime" or "... at the same time as ..."?
Is it a matter of preference? Does it make formal essays prettier?
Thanks!
2007-03-03 15:33:26 · 3 answers · asked by xdevs_r0ck_grrlx 2 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
Whilst is stilted and no longer used in modern writing. Use while instead.
2007-03-03 15:38:15 · answer #1 · answered by notyou311 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
While is always correct. Technically, "whilst" is too but it is seldom used. Don't thow it away, though. On occasion, "whilst" will sound better in a sentence than "while", perhaps some assonance or alliteration will favour its use. Use it sparingly and wisely but use it when it sounds right.
2007-03-03 18:25:59 · answer #2 · answered by tentofield 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
whilst and while have the same meaning, but whilst is an antiquified form, and you should only write it if your audience is well educated and will understand it... i know from experience... i just had my essay peer reveiwed and all of them underlined sunder and said they didn't understand it...
2007-03-03 15:40:02 · answer #3 · answered by Your mom goes to college 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
use "while"... you can use "whilst" but it is not common unless you are a very proper speaker.
2007-03-03 16:02:27 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you're a subject of the UK use whilst, if American use while.
2007-03-03 15:39:46 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋