Learn English > English lessons and exercises > English test #118357: Whereas or While

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	> Similar tests: - Connectors - As... Like... As if/ as though... - Though/ in spite of ...Concession - Conjunctions - Whereas, Unless, Contrary to : contrasts - Like / As / Unlike / Such as - For /During /While - Cause? Aim? Not mixing the two concepts ...
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Whereas or While

WHEREAS ( contrast) and WHILE ( time) are two conjunctions which are often confused due to the close similarity in their meanings, but which should be used differently.

As you can often see them or hear them used one for the other, including where they shouldn't be mixed , , this produces a vicious circle... Let's try to come back to orthodoxy, strictly respecting the rules of British English :pgb.

I. WHEREAS expresses a CONTRAST: it is used to express a contrast between two facts or two ideas and means the same as: « on the other hand ». WHEREAS cannot be used to express TIME.

- Paul likes action films whereas Lennie mostly watches detective stories.

- Patrick speaks French and Spanish fluently whereas his brother Philip isn't good at languages at all.

II. WHILE expresses TIME and introduces a time clause. WHILE means : « at the same time » or : « during the time ».

- While the kids were having a nap, the mom could have a relaxing bath.

- I remembered I had forgotten to buy stamps while I was just going out of the post office./ While going out of the post office, I remembered I had forgotten to buy stamps. (if there's only one subject, you don't have to repeat it after "while")

* a WHILE is a noun= (the length of time is undetermined).

- You haven't attended a tennis lesson for quite a while now... Are you sure your coach is going to agree with that ?

BE CAREFUL! In the following test, you'll have to fill in the blanks with: While / while/ whereas/ Whereas/ a while (the capitals are important). I will ask you to respect the rules of :pgb repeated above. Good Luck! I give you THE FORCE!

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1. Lucy, will you lay the table I help your sister with her maths exercise, please.

2. The twins are very different: Paul is shy and reserved Dennis is outgoing.

3. He choked he was eating and then had to be taken to hospital for an X-ray.

4. At school, I have difficulties with languages I’m very good at Maths. I don’t know why...

5. Will you watch the baby I’m taking care of getting your luggage ready?

6.Dad would like to have a holiday in Spain Mom would prefer Italy...

7. In India, August is quite a cool month it can be quite scorching in Chicago.

8. Would you like a soda you’re waiting for Adam?

9. My secretary will answer my phone calls I’m away abroad.

10. My aunt Sophie is a doctor Uncle Pete is a dentist.

11. I was sitting on the seafront, I spent looking at the boats in the distance.

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