Whereas and while for contrast

The idea

Use whereas or while to link clauses with a subject and verb. Either clause can come first; use a comma between the contrasting clauses.

Examples

• Maya likes busy cafés, whereas Leo prefers quiet libraries.
• The northern path is steep, while the southern path is almost flat.
• Whereas the first design uses wood, the second uses recycled metal.
• Our old printer was noisy, whereas its replacement is nearly silent.
• While the museum is free on Sundays, the aquarium charges admission.
• Ari works best in the morning, while Sam is more focused at night.

Watch out

Do not assume while always means contrast: it can also mean that events happen at the same time. Context makes the meaning clear.

Try it yourself

1. Choose every option that expresses contrast. The coast is dry, ___ the mountains receive plenty of rain. (whereas / while / because)

   Show answer or example answer

   whereas / while

   whereas and while both contrast the dry coast with the rainy mountains.

2. Choose every option that expresses contrast. ___ the blue bag is light, the red one is heavy. (While / Because)

   Show answer or example answer

   While

   While introduces the contrast between the two bags; because would give a reason.

3. Choose every option that expresses contrast. The first room has windows, ___ the second has none. (whereas / despite)

   Show answer or example answer

   whereas

   whereas joins two clauses; despite cannot directly introduce the complete clause here.

Use it today

Compare two places using each linker.