Conjunctions are words that help conjoin two or more clauses. They are an excellent way to help elevate your speech and writing to something more sophisticated than just using simple sentence structures.
“Whereas” is a conjunction that helps connect contrasting ideas in a sentence. Its use offers a connection between multiple things that are different and can create clarity and conciseness.
Let’s take a closer look at how to use it properly in a sentence.
What Does Whereas Mean?
Whereas is a conjunction, meaning it is a word that connects words, phrases, clauses, or sentences together. Whereas is used to introduce a comment that is in contrast with the main clause. It helps to compare two things, people, or situations and highlight an essential difference between them.
For example:
- High school today has some serious issues with technology abuse, whereas 30 years ago, we never could have imagined copying and pasting information and claiming it as our own.
- I predict I will receive a 17% raise if I move, whereas if I stay in my current position, it will take me 3 more years to make that much.
- Whereas the current economy is challenging many people’s pocketbooks, the next voting cycle has some favorable candidates offering some tangible solutions.
To help you remember how to use it, you can replace whereas with although or in contrast to introduce a dependent clause.
For example:
- I predict I will receive a 17% raise if I move; in contrast, if I stay in my current position, it will take me three more years to make that much.
- Although the current economy is challenging many people’s pocketbooks, the next voting cycle has some favorable candidates offering some tangible solutions.
Is It Whereas or Where as?
Even though the word whereas is a combination of the two words where and as to form a compound word, it is not acceptable to use it as two words. It is also not used as such in any modern dictionary.
Whereas Origins
Whereas isn’t a modern word. It has been a conjunction to mean “while on the contrary” since the 15th century.
How to Use Whereas
Whereas introduces a thought that contrasts with something in the main clause. It also introduces a separate clause. These uses mean there are some very specific rules associated with its use.
Where Does Whereas Belong in a Sentence?
Whereas introduces a clause, meaning it belongs at the start of a sentence or in the middle. It is never found at the end of a sentence.
For example:
- My oldest child is fastidious with his grades and always turns everything in on time, whereas my youngest needs daily reminders to keep him on track.
- Whereas today the sun is shining, yesterday we had wind gusts of 65 MPH, which was almost below freezing.
Can You Start a Sentence With Whereas?
As explained above, it is acceptable to place whereas at the start of a sentence.
For example:
- Whereas the local policies forbid marijuana use in public, its use is allowed on private property in New Mexico.
Does a Comma Belong Before Whereas?
As a subordinating conjunction, whereas must abide by comma rules pertaining to compound sentence rules. Generally, a comma always belongs before whereas.
For example:
- Face-to-face conversations may leave you forgetful of certain details, whereas emails provide an excellent form of documentation.
Let’s Review
Whereas is a conjunction used at the beginning or the middle of a sentence to introduce a thought that contrasts with the main clause.
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