Whilst is mostly used in British English, though way lesser than while. While can be used as a conjunction, preposition, noun or verb, whereas 'whilst' is used only as a conjunction or adverb. When used as conjunction/adverb, both the words mean during or at the same time as.
How do you use whilst in a sentence?
When used as a conjunction or an adverb, while and whilst are interchangeable:
- There wasn't much Stanley could do while he waited.
- There wasn't much Stanley could do whilst he waited.
- While Danny was sleeping in, his little brother swiped his cell phone.
What is whilst used for?
While (or whilst) means 'during the time when something else happens'. When can mean the same as while, but when can also refer to a point in time. The phone rang while/when we were having dinner. When the phone rang, she answered it immediately.
