Cool MateWhen vs Whilst
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
When
Top 1,000 (very common)A1adverb
Whilst
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C1conjunction
Most formal: WhilstMost common: When
| When | Whilst | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/wen/"]/🇺🇸 /["/wen/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/waɪlst/"]/🇺🇸 /["/waɪlst/"]/ |
| Meaning | A word used to ask about or talk about time. | At the same time as; during. |
| Example | When did you last see him? | In the UK it is illegal to drive whilst holding a mobile phone. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adverb | conjunction |
| Collocations | when I was younger, when it rains, call me when | whilst studying, whilst waiting, whilst driving |
| Antonyms | never, nowhere, no time | instead, subsequently |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'when' with 'where' when asking about location., Using 'when' incorrectly in conditional sentences., Omitting 'when' in sentences that require it for clarity. | Using 'whilst' in informal conversations., 'Whilst' not used properly with clauses. |
| Usage notes | Used to ask questions about time (e.g., 'When is the meeting?') or to indicate time in statements (e.g., 'I will call you when I get home.'). It's appropriate in both spoken and written English. | Use 'whilst' in more formal writing or speech. It's less common in everyday conversation, where 'while' is preferred. Avoid using 'whilst' in informal contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: When vs Whilst
What's the difference between When and Whilst?
When: A word used to ask about or talk about time. Whilst: At the same time as; during.
Which is more formal: When and Whilst?
Whilst is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: When and Whilst?
When is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: When and Whilst?
Whilst is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are When and Whilst the same CEFR level?
When: A1, Whilst: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are When and Whilst?
When: adverb, Whilst: conjunction.
Can you show an example of each?
When: When did you last see him? Whilst: In the UK it is illegal to drive whilst holding a mobile phone.
Can I use When and Whilst interchangeably?
Not always. When and Whilst are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.