Words / B2

wairr-AZ/ˌweərˈæz/

Whereas contrasts two facts in one sentence, mainly in formal and academic writing: She works at night, whereas he starts at dawn. While can do the same job but also means “during the time that”; whereas is only contrast, and but is more informal. Do not use whereas for time; it is typical when comparing data or two groups.

Meaning

Used to contrast two facts.

Examples

• “She likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee.”
• “Coastal areas gained jobs, whereas inland towns lost them.”
• “The first test was oral, whereas the second was written.”

Good to know

Contrast only, not time. More formal than but. while can mean time or contrast.

Near in meaning

while

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