Quirks of English

--for those who speak English as their second language or who just want to improve their writing

(Text-only version of Quirks of English)

while, whereas, or although

The use of "while" to show contrast is common and accepted in informal usage. In formal writing, however, "while" should be reserved to show that two or more events occur at the same time. In the following sentence, the two events are occurring simultaneously.

• Measurements were taken while the specimen was rotating in the rig.

For comparisons and contrasts, "whereas" and "although" should be used instead of "while."

• Positions are logged manually, whereas temperatures and pressures are recorded automatically by the thin-film sensors.

These two events happen in different ways. They do not necessarily occur at the same time.

• Although positions are logged manually, temperatures and pressures are recorded automatically by the thin-film sensors.

The meaning of this sentence is similar to the previous one, but it places more emphasis on the differences between the two events.

Indiscriminate use of "while" where "whereas" or "although" would be more appropriate can even result in ambiguity and misunderstanding:

• While my cat, Princess, eats quickly, she enjoys a leisurely stroll.

Does she do both at the same time? Using "whereas" or "although" in this sentence would clear up the confusion.

Test yourself.

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Last updated: 1/20/2009