Understanding the Nuances Between While, Whist, Among, and Amongst

Are you puzzling over the differences between while, whilst, among, and amongst? This article demystifies these often-confusing words, providing clear examples and explanations to help you use them correctly.

While vs. Whist

While is the more commonly used term in both American and British English. It is primarily used to indicate a period of time during which something happens or to contrast two statements.

Example:

Let's take a look at a sentence:

While he was driving, he was listening to the radio.

In this example, while is used to indicate that driving and listening to the radio were happening simultaneously.

Whist, on the other hand, is primarily used in British English and is often considered more formal or literary. In American English, you are more likely to see whilst in this context.

Example:

He talked whilst watching the TV.

This sentence uses whilst to indicate that the two actions (talking and watching TV) were happening at the same time. The use of whilst here gives the sentence a slightly more formal tone.

Among vs. Amongst

Among is the standard form used in both American and British English. It refers to being in the midst of or surrounded by a group.

Example:

He was among the elite group of scientists.

In this instance, he is surrounded by a group of elite scientists.

Amongst is more commonly used in British English and can carry a slightly more formal or poetic tone. It is less frequently used in American English.

Example:

He was amongst friends.

Note the use of amongst in this sentence, which suggests he is in the company of friends and emphasizes a sense of being surrounded by them.

In Summary

While and Among are generally more casual and used in everyday, informal contexts. On the other hand, Whist and Amongst carry a more formal and literary connotation.

While and Among are used to indicate a period of time or a physical location, respectively:

While denotes something happening at the same time as another action: “Let’s share the lemonade among the kids while we wait for their parents to arrive.”

Among refers to being in the midst of a group: “Let’s share the lemonade among the kids.”

Whist and Amongst, however, are more formal and are often used in more serious or literary contexts:

Whist denotes something happening at the same time: “I will not allow us to fight amongst ourselves whilst the enemy is at large.”

Amongst emphasizes the surrounding nature of the group: “I will not allow us to fight amongst ourselves.”

Final Thoughts

While and Among are far more casual and can be used in everyday situations. Whist and Amongst are formal and are often used in more serious or literary contexts.

I have noted that in British English, Whist and Amongst are still being used a lot, though some individuals find them old-fashioned. However, they are still a part of the language and can add a touch of formality or literary flair.

Remember, while and among are stepping stones to fluency, meanwhile, whilst and amongst can elevate your writing to a more polished and nuanced level. Choose wisely based on the tone and style of your writing!