Dr.
From parts unknown
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Please bear with me, as I said. I need simple rules here lol
Well: As a conjunction…
“You wait here while I go for help.” Or: “You wait here whilst I go for help.”
In these examples, both “while” and “whilst” are grammatically correct and interchangeable. However (and as previously mentioned) using “whilst” might be considered a bit affected and archaic (old fashioned).
As a noun…
“If you’re tired, we can rest for a while.”
Here, only “while” is correct. You cannot “rest for a whilst.”
As a verb…
“♫ I would while away the hours, conferring with the flowers…♫” — Scarecrow from the Wizard of Oz
Here, “while (away)” means to pass the time in a pleasant manner. But, again, “whilst” is not a substitute. You cannot “whilst away the hours.”
Or — "simple rule" — never use "whilst."
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