conjunction · academic
whereas
UK/wɛəˈrɑːz/US/wɛrˈæz/where·AS
used to compare or contrast two facts or situations
Examples
“He prefers outdoor sports, whereas his sister likes reading at home.”
“Most students studied hard, whereas a few gave up early.”
“Urban areas expanded, whereas rural populations declined.”
Band 8 sentence
“Whereas previous studies focused on short-term outcomes, this research examines long-term social impacts.”
Collocations
- whereas + clause
Common mistakes
Use 'whereas' when you mean 'because'→Use 'because' to show reason; 'whereas' to show contrast
Start a sentence with 'Whereas' without following clause.→Whereas he likes coffee, she prefers tea.
Say it for a higher band
5but→6while→7+whereas
Synonyms
while
Easily confused
while
“While I was cooking, she set the table.”
Related words
Learn this word with the rest of its set, and get reminded at the right time.
In Contrast
Learn it with its set