How common are words like whilst, whom, whereas and hence in the english language today?

Question

How often are words like 'whom, whilst, whereas and hence' actually common in everyday spoken/written english? or academic english for university purposes for that matter?

Is it common to say;
The girl was eating her lunch, whilst her brother was drinking a class of water. (I see this example sometimes written in english books.)

There was a person I met at the hospital whom had been bitten by a cat. (I see this also especially in literature.)

My sister spent many years in Ireland, hence her passion for Guinness. (This is probably the least common, but I've seen it sometimes.)

The roof of that house looked great, whereas the floor was a disaster.

B K · Accepted Answer

They are not so common in speech, but in the UK we use them more than Americans in writing.

Using these words in the UK in speech does not convey the pretentiousness that Americans perceive.

Your second example is just plain wrong.  The word "whom" does not belong in there at all. The correct word would be "who".  This is a common mistake - especially amongst those who do not regularly use the word "whom". Whom" can only be used for the object of the sentence, if it's referring to the subject - then the correct form is "who".

Who and whom is used in a similar vein to he and him, she and her, or I and me.

There's another one I just used "amongst".  Heheh!!

"whereas" and "hence" are used in everyday speech in the UK.  I can't speak for Americans.

Jesus on the Dashboard · Answer

I'm sure it depends on where you go and the dialect spoken, but I can speak for general North American English.

"Whilst" is very old-fashioned. Since the same meaning is basically covered by the much more common word "while," it may actually come off as affected or pretentious if you use it in speech or even writing (unless of course, you're attempting to imitate an old-fashioned manner of speaking). Stay away from it in everyday conversation; use "while."

"Whom" is pretty archaic, as well, but some people (very few nowadays) may still use it in speech, and it's basically the standard for writing. If you're not sure how to use it properly, however, best stick to "who" when you're talking to someone. It can also sometimes come across as affected.

"Hence" sounds kind of old-fashioned as well, but since it serves a function not easily conveyed by another word in English, it does see the occasional use. The trick to not sounding like a pompous douche is knowing when to use it correctly.

And "whereas" is pretty common, I would say. At least among educated or semi-educated speakers.

? · Answer

I desire it might be mom however my mom died years in the past.. I myself is a mom..I could say like to all the ones moms in these days. Love to their kids i've two .Happy moms day Sunday.

GuantanamoGeorge · Answer

Jesus covered it well. BTW your sentence with 'whom' is incorrect. 'Who' is the subject of 'had been bitten.' You could write 'a person whom a cat had bitten.'

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How common are words like whilst, whom, whereas and hence in the english language today?

4 Answers