Is it correct ?

By Deep_Level_Shark
in General Discussion

 Share

Recommended Posts

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted
They have the exact same usage.
The -st doesn't add anything to the context

100% wrong!

Whilst is used to describe verbs in their current form: Whilst working, Nik likes to drink water. That is 100% correct.

While is to be used in future/past versions: While Nik was working, he prefered to drink water. That is 100% correct.

Basically, the difference is tense. I will not say that the use of Whilst has been demoted and people use While - but it is technically incorrect, and arguing that they are the same is wrong.

Grand Master

threetonesun

Posted
Posted

100% wrong!

Whilst is used to describe verbs in their current form: Whilst working, Nik likes to drink water. That is 100% correct.

While is to be used in future/past versions: While Nik was working, he prefered to drink water. That is 100% correct.

Basically, the difference is tense. I will not say that the use of Whilst has been demoted and people use While - but it is technically incorrect, and arguing that they are the same is wrong.

No. "Nik likes to drink water while working."

There is nothing wrong with that sentence, and numerous style guides agree with me. Don't confuse people with these nonsense grammatical rules.

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

Nik likes to drink water while working

Is a completely different way of writing the phrase, placing the onus elsewhere. And I agree, there is absolutely nothing wrong with it. That does not mean that it is the ONLY correct way of writing the sentence. Your style guides may 100% agree with what you just wrote, but other ways exist.

One such other way is to put the onus on the drinking verb, and in the present tense, WHILST should be used.

Do not write off correct English as "nonsense".

Grand Master

threetonesun

Posted
Posted

"While working, Nik likes to drink water." is the same as "Nik likes to drink water while working." is the same as "Whilst working, Nik likes to drink water" is the same as "Nik likes to drink water whilst working."

If you want it the other way around, you say "Nik likes to work while drinking water".

Find me one dictionary or reference book that states that whilst is used differently than while and I'll believe you.

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

"While working, Nik likes to drink water."

Is technically wrong. The correct word to have used there is Whilst. But it's use has declined and While seems to have become more commonly used. That makes it "accepted" but doesn't make it "correct English".

A dictionary will not suggest this difference, as their definitions do not go deep enough into word usage. Moreover, ROFL is in the OED, and I respect it less as each day goes past. Also, I don't really care what you believe - I will simply continue to state the case that While and Whilst are NOT the same, as you seem intent on stating (without credit).

Grand Master

Anibal P

Posted
Posted

Define: whilst

If you don't trust the OED, pick any dictionary you like.

Also, the Guardian and Observer disagree with you. Whole world must be going mad.

He's just trying to preserver the "purity" of The Queen's English" failing to realize that generally speaking even in the UK no one really speaks it anymore

Grand Master

+Nik Louch Subscriber²

Posted
  • Subscriber²
Posted

You do understand that a style guide is a set of recommendations for writers to use? It is not a rule on what a word means?

Such as when I worked in a newspaper their style guide outlined the word "Ethnic" as a negative term to not be used. It is in no way valid as a definition.

They are preference and opinion based. There are plenty of online opinions I can find that could arguably substantiate the tense argument I make.

While both words are interchangable and correct, the -st ending is primiarly used to distiguish action taking place in the present
'Whilst' is an adverbial genitive. This means it is used to describe verbs.
whilst is less frequent than while. [...] the former is used more in a non-temporal way

etc

Again, I will state, I care little for whether you believe me or not. I simply will not leave a claim of the two words unchallenged.

This topic is now closed to further replies.
 Share
Go to topic listing

  • Recently Browsing   0 members

    • No registered users viewing this page.

  • Posts

    • Affinity by Canva 3.2.2.4557

      By Copernic · Posted

      Affinity by Canva 3.2.2.4557 by Razvan Serea Affinity by Canva is a free, all-in-one creative app combining vector design, photo editing, and page layout in a single platform. Originally developed by Serif, it’s now under Canva, offering professional-grade tools without subscriptions. Users get full access to Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios, plus ongoing updates. Designed for Mac and Windows, it empowers designers, illustrators, and content creators to work faster, smarter, and more creatively than ever before. Affinity is a unified, high-performance design platform combining vector, raster, and layout workflows. It offers fully non-destructive editing, advanced curve and shape manipulation, artboards, symbols, and seamless integration of pixel and vector content. The photo engine supports RAW editing, compositing, retouching, and batch processing with macro automation. Layout tools include long-form document support, typographic precision, navigational elements, CMYK-ready print, and Data Merge. Canva AI Studio adds generative tools (Fill, Expand, Edit), Depth Map, Super Resolution, and advanced portrait effects, accessible via Canva Pro or higher. Broad file compatibility and customizable workspaces ensure professional-grade efficiency. Advanced AI features like Generative Fill and Expand are unlocked in Affinity through the Canva AI Studio for users with a Canva premium plan (Pro, Business, Enterprise, or Education). Affinity is truly free. Every tool in the Pixel, Vector, and Layout studios is fully accessible, along with all customization and export options—no limits, no payments required. The app also receives free updates with new features and improvements. Your creativity remains yours. Affinity stores all your work locally on your device. Canva does not use any Affinity content to train AI or develop features, including anything created with Canva AI tools within Affinity. If you export or upload your work to Canva, you remain in full control. Data preferences can be reviewed or updated at any time in your Canva account settings. Why is Affinity free? Curious how this is possible? Here’s the philosophy behind it and how it works. Note: A free Canva account is required to use Affinity. Your account gives access to Affinity along with other Canva products and features. Download: Affinity 3.2.2.4557 | ARM64 | ~600.0 MB (Freeware) Links: Affinity Website | macOS | Screenshot Get alerted to all of our Software updates on Twitter at @NeowinSoftware
    • Finally we can whole-heartedly recommend the AMD 9070 GRE thanks to this discount

      By hellowalkman · Posted

      Finally we can whole-heartedly recommend the AMD 9070 GRE thanks to this discount by Sayan Sen Earlier this month at Computex 2026 AMD released the Radeon RX 9070 GRE for a global audience. We reviewed the GPU and it scored 8 out of 10 for gaming and 7.5 out of 10 for productivity including things like AI performance. The card launched for $550 which we thought was a bit on the higher side, though currently you are getting the chance to get the Gigabyte Gaming variant of the GPU for just $500 thanks to this discount (purchase link under the specs table down below). As such we can finally whole-heartedly recommend this GPU. The card employs Gigabyte's WINDFORCE cooling system which combines multiple design elements such as alternate-spinning Hawk fans, a vapor chamber, and composite heat pipes to manage heat dissipation. The Server-grade Thermal conductive gel further helps in this department. The inclusion of a semi-passive cooling mode allows the fans to remain inactive under low workloads, which allows for reduced noise operation during lighter usage. There is dual BIOS switch that allows toggling between performance and silent modes. The technical specs of the Gigabyte Gaming RX 9070 GRE OC is given in the table below: Specification Value Boost Clock Up to 2920 MHz Game Clock Up to 2340 MHz Stream Processors 3072 Memory Clock 18 Gbps Memory Size 12 GB Memory Type GDDR6 Memory Bus 192-bit Memory Bandwidth 432 GB/s Card Bus Interface PCI Express 5.0 Max Resolution 7680 × 4320 Max Displays (Multi-view) 4 Card Dimensions 288 × 132 × 50 mm (L × W × H) Recommended Power Supply 700 W Power Connectors 2 × 8-pin Display Outputs 2 × DisplayPort 2.1a 2 × HDMI 2.1b Get it at the link below: GIGABYTE Gaming Radeon RX 9070 GRE 12GB GDDR6 GPU (GV-R907GREGAMING OC-12GD): $549.99 + $50 discount with promo code in mail => $499.99 (Sold and Shipped by Newegg US) This Newegg deal is US-specific and not available in other regions unless specified. This is a first-party seller link (at the time of article publishing); ensure that you also purchase from a first-party seller link only. If you don't like it or want to look at more options, check out the previous deals that we have covered, OR you can also visit Amazon US deals page. Get Prime (SNAP), Prime Video, Audible Plus or Kindle / Music Unlimited. Free for 30 days. As an affiliate partner, we earn from qualifying purchases.
    • Politically funny images of the World

      By +primortal · Posted

    • EA launches in-game advertising platform for brands to "connect with audiences"

      By fingletmein · Posted

      "to in-game content custom-made for the brands" Which EA will turn around and charge customers extra for in an attempt to double dip.
    • EA launches in-game advertising platform for brands to "connect with audiences"

      By SidVicious · Posted

      Disgusting.

  • Recent Achievements

    • Week One Done
      Jeroen Wilms earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • Week One Done
      rolfus earned a badge
      Week One Done
    • One Month Later
      Leroy Jethro Gibbs earned a badge
      One Month Later
    • Conversation Starter
      flexorcist earned a badge
      Conversation Starter
    • One Month Later
      AndreaB earned a badge
      One Month Later

  • Popular Contributors

    1. 1
      +primortal
      513
    2. 2
      +Edouard
      205
    3. 3
      PsYcHoKiLLa
      136
    4. 4
      ATLien_0
      89
    5. 5
      Steven P.
      85
    Show More

  • Tell a friend

    Love Neowin? Tell a friend!