Life is full of times when you need to compare one thing to another. Doing that clearly and concisely is easy when you use a word that is intended to do exactly that.
Using the word “whereas” makes your comparison easy to understand.
The word is versatile, too, because it can also refer to a fact, situation, or circumstance. “Whereas” is also used to mean an introductory or qualifying statement.
How is “whereas” used in a sentence?
Use “whereas” to mean “on the contrary” and show how two people, places, or things differ. The word allows you to compare or contrast them regarding their qualities, characteristics, uses, locations, and just about any other aspect. Use “whereas” to mean “it being the case that” or “considering that” or “since.”Use “whereas” to mean a statement that introduces or qualifies.
Where did “whereas” originate?
The word “whereas” was first used in 1300-50 to mean “while on the contrary.” Beginning in 1795, the word took on another definition. It was used to mean “an introductory statement of a formal document.”
What part of speech is “whereas”?
The word is a conjunction, which is a word or phrase that connects other words, phrases, clauses, or sentences. The word is also a noun, which is a word that refers to a person, place, or thing.
Used as a conjunction, “whereas” can appear in the beginning or middle of a sentence. Used as a noun, “whereas” can appear anywhere in a sentence.
What are some examples of using “whereas” correctly in an sentence?
“Whereas” used as a conjunction shows a difference between two people, places, or things.
The comparison can be about a wide variety of aspects, including qualities, characteristics, uses, and locations.
“Erik chose a slice of pizza with lots of toppings, whereas Justine chose a slice with cheese only.”
“The meeting of the marketing staff was quiet and respectful, whereas the meeting of the sales staff was loud and combative.”
Use “whereas” to mean “it being the case that,” “in view of the fact that,” “considering that,” “for the reason that,” or “since.”
“Whereas Susanna was chosen as the new president of the company, she will set the policies for the coming fiscal year.”
“Whereas you chose to join in the destruction of the property, you will be punished along with the others.”
Use “whereas” to mean an introductory statement.
“Thomas added a whereas to the beginning of the agreement to specify why the document was necessary.”
“There were so many whereases in the contract that Amanda couldn’t understand what she was reading.”
What are “whereas” synonyms?
Though
You can substitute though for “whereas” to mean “in spite of the fact that.” It acknowledges that one circumstance exists but that the circumstance does not prevent a contrasting action or circumstance from existing or resulting.
“Though Donald was qualified for the job, he didn’t apply for it because the salary was too low.”
Although
Although can take the place of “whereas” to mean “while on the contrary.” The word indicates that the concept following it will contrast with the concept preceding it.
“The carnival drew large crowds during the weekend, although smaller crowds attended during the week.”
There is no significant difference between “although” and “though” when used to mean “in spite of the fact that” or “while on the contrary.” However, “although” would be a more appropriate choice for formal writing.
Notwithstanding
You can substitute “notwithstanding” for “whereas” to mean “in spite of the fact that.” It has the same meaning as “though,” but it would be a more appropriate choice for formal writing.
“Jordan couldn’t bake the cake successfully, notwithstanding he followed the recipe to the letter.”
Considering
You can substitute “considering” for “whereas” to mean “for the reason that.”
“Considering Simone has read almost none of the books, I wouldn’t expect her report to be very informative.”
“Considering” is often written with the word “that” after it. Adding “that” doesn’t change the meaning of “considering.”
Still, doing so could create a grammatically correct but awkwardly worded sentence if the word “that” were already present.
“Considering that that party has been planned for months, there should be many people there.”
While
You can use “while” in place of “whereas” to mean “when on the other hand.” It compares or contrasts an object, person, quality, characteristic, effect, use, or location with another one.
“The three buildings were barely visible behind the trees, while the fourth building – so tall and brightly colored – was easy to see.”
While on the contrary
Like “while,” this phrase compares or contrasts a person, place, or thing with another one. However, adding the words “on the contrary” emphasizes that there is a difference between the two persons, places, or things.
“Ahmad’s organizational skills helped him meet the deadline, while on the contrary, Amira’s procrastination put her behind schedule.”
But on the other hand
Just like “while on the contrary,” the phrase “but on the other hand” emphasizes the existence of a difference between two persons, places, or things.
“Stephan planted the shrubs himself and saved money, but on the other hand, Chico hired a landscaper and saved time.”
Frequently asked questions about “whereas”
“Whereas” is similar to “where.” Does it mean the same thing?
No. “Where” is an adverb, conjunction, pronoun, and noun. It refers to a place, position, situation, direction, circumstance, or respect.
“Where is she?” [adverb referring to a place]
“Where do you come down on this debate?” [adverb referring to position]
“Without family, where are you?” [adverb referring to circumstance]
“The money is where you left it.” [conjunction referring to a place]
“This is where the bus leaves.” [pronoun referring to a place]
“Whereas” sounds similar to “whereby.” Does it mean the same thing?
No. “Whereby” is a conjunction. It means “by, through, or in accordance with which.”
“The reporter requested an interview whereby she could ask the mayor questions.”
Is “whereof” a synonym for “whereas”?
No. “Whereof” is an adverb and conjunction. It means “of what, which, or whom.”
“Daniel is an experienced engineer, so he knows whereof he speaks.
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