IELTS Grammar: while, whilst, whereas, as

Joshua asked me the following question:

"Can you explain while, whilst, whereas, as? Either can be used to connect two sentences, but I am not sure how to identify them and quite often I use them wrongly."

Here's my simplified explanation:

1. While and whilst are the same, but whilst is a bit more formal (according to one famous grammar book).
2. Whereas is always used for contrast. While/whilst can be used for contrast, OR to mean "at the same time".
3. As can mean "because" or "exactly at the moment when".

Try to write an example sentence using each of these words. Feel free to share your sentences in the "comments" area below.

Comments

[m hatab]

Hi simon;
I wrote the following sentences.
1- A lot of people prefer travailing by car, while others choose the train. (Contrast)
2- The phone rang, while I was sleep. (At the same time)
3- Some people like hot, weather while others not. (Contrast)
4- I want to graduate from Oxford University, as it an international one. (Because)
5- My brother called me, as I reached the station. (Exactly at the same moment when)
Thanks

[Johnny]

Hi Simon，
My sentences:
1.Mark fell asleep while the boring film was showing.( at the same time or during)
2.Mark sees this film as a tedious one while Jimmy feels it entertaining and amused.(contrast)
3.During leisure time,Mark likes to do some outdoor exercises, whereas Jimmy prefers to stay at home.(contrast)
4.I feel so happy today as my team wins the final game.(because)
5.Jordan took the last shot,as the final buzzer sounded.( at the same moment )

[Simon]

Good examples m hatab and Johnny.

M Hatab:

2. Don't use the comma when "while" is used for "at the same time".
3. Put the comma before "while others DO not"
4. No comma
5. No comma

...

Johnny:

2. I'd put a comma before "while".
4. "won" or "has won" would probably be better.
5. No comma

Thanks for your examples

[Johnny]

Hi Simon,
Thanks for your corrections and reminders,I learn a lot from you.
By the way,drawing on my own experience,the electic Cambridge Dictionary is recommendable to all English learners.
I see this dictionary as a effective method to address similar questions as you mentioned above,it offers nearly every word with several wonderful and clear examples,and absolutely be worth a try!

[Simon]

No problem Johnny.

Yes, most new dictionaries give clear, real examples to demonstrate how to use words. I always say that "understanding a word is not the same as being able to use it" - examples are crucial.

[Elena]

Hi, Simon.
Can you explain the different sentances structure, such as simple, compound, complex and combination...and how are they usually used.
is it realy that important to have various sentances' structures in the essay for band 7?
thank you

[Simon]

Hi Elena,

I'll write a lesson about this at some point, but you don't need to worry about it - you don't need to do examples of each type to get a 7. Try to write sentences that answer the question, and focus on good vocabulary rather than trying to use 'difficult' grammar.

Hope this helps

[Elena]

alright. thanks, Simon

[Simon]

No problem.

[Hope]

1.Mother was washing the dishes after the supper ,while I were watching TV.(at the same time)
2.I am studying in university, while my best friend already married.(contrast)
3.I want to see my boyfriend whereas I have no time.
4.I did not go home in this summer holidays as it is too far from shool to my home.

[Simon]

Hi Hope,

1. Use 'I was'
3. Use 'but'