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While vs. Whilst

While vs Whilst

Do you not know when to use while vs whilst? Use this page to discover while vs whilst examples. You can also use this page to learn the definition of while vs whilst.

While vs Whilst: The Easy Explanation

While and whilst have the same meaning: both mean “during the time that.” They are, in fact, different variations on the same word, and neither is technically incorrect or correct.

While is generally preferred in U.S./American English:

She whistled while working.

Whilst is more common in U.K./British English, although people may use both words:

She rode to work whilst talking on the phone.

When to Use While vs. Whilst

This is actually a regional spelling difference for the same word, specifically the difference between British English and American English.

Both while and whilst have the same meaning: “during the time that.” Strictly speaking, neither spelling is incorrect within its own region. But, like other regional spelling variants (color/colour, labor/labour, fiber/fibre, spelled/spelt), a variant may look odd to those accustomed to the other spelling.

Though while is generally preferred in U.S./American English and whilst is more common in U.K./British English, people may swap between the two versions. (Some find that “whilst” sounds old fashioned and stodgy.)

When in doubt, use “while.”

Examples of While vs. Whilst

While vs Whilst Examples #1) She brushed her teeth while reading.

(In this sentence, the American version is used.)

While vs Whilst Examples #2) She ironed her pants whilst watching TV.

(In this sentence, the U.K. version is used.)

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