Word Choice – Amongst and Whilst

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Several BizWritingTip readers have questioned the use of amongst and whilst.

According to the Oxford Canadian Dictionary, amongst is interchangeable with among, meaning between. Normally, among is used when referring to two or more things.

Correct

Let’s divide the work equally among us.

Let’s divide the work equally amongst us.

Note: Although amongst is considered acceptable, I do not see many people using it. Personally, I stick to the more frequently-used word among.

Whilst meaning while is used chiefly in British English (and often in Australian and New Zealand English). It is not common in North America. Therefore, I recommend staying away from it.

Remember, while means “during the time that.” Be careful not to use it when you really mean although.

Incorrect

While he missed the meeting, he completed the response to the RFP on time.

Correct

Although he missed the meeting, he completed the response to the RFP on time.

Correct

While I was waiting for the phone call, I managed to work on the report. (While is being used as during the time that.)