whilst after

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "whilst after" is not correct and does not make sense in written English.
It is not a standard expression and combining "whilst" and "after" creates confusion regarding the intended meaning. Example: "Whilst after the meeting, I realized I had forgotten my notes."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

The rapid solidification techniques give a fine initial microstructure so that significantly increased strength is observed after a relatively small amount of cold working, whilst after heavy working the material becomes very strong with the microstructure reaching nanoscale dimensions.

Acta Materialia

Prior to Mendel, genetics was primarily theoretical whilst, after Mendel, the science of genetics was broadened to include experimental genetics.

BioMed Research International

Up to 2001, the CV increased for all diagnoses and procedures, whilst after 2001 the CV was stable for CVA, FEMUR, HIP and KNEE.

BMC Health Services Research

The P i max⁡ was reduced before and correlated with the duration of hemodialysis (r = 0.614, P < 0.001), whilst after the session it was significantly increased (P < 0.001).

BioMed Research International

Before BMI reached optimal HRQOL, the EQ-5D utility scores were increasing faster among men than the women, whilst after the BMI value reached the optimal utility scores, women showed a faster decline in utility scores than men.

Health and Quality of Life Outcomes

In six experiments the peak response at −120 mV was −37.6 ± 5.1 pA/pF, whilst after 2 min of ACh application the response declined to an amplitude of −16.9 ± 0.8 pA/pF (p < 0.01).

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

47 human-written examples

According to the EAM, NSSI is utilised to regulate negative emotion, whilst the after-effects of NSSI (e.g. shame, guilt) fuel further negative internal experience and reduced ability to cope over time, and NSSI re-occurs.

Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Mental Health

LOS after mastectomy decreased in 23 of the 35 Trusts, whilst LOS after BCS decreased in 18 Trusts.

BMC Health Services Research

The majority (89%) of CCPs would stop CS after resolution of shock state or when vasopressor infusion is terminated whilst 11% after a fixed duration.

Critical Care

This is a prime example of how we can help grow a green economy whilst looking after our natural resources.

The Guardian

The relegation verdict, understandably, was greeted with anger by the velodrome crowd, who booed loudly, whilst Pendleton, after Brailsford had stalked across to the GB pen to give the squad the news in person, seemed close to tears.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Avoid using the phrase "whilst after" in formal writing. Instead, opt for clearer and more grammatically correct alternatives such as "while subsequently" or "while following" to maintain clarity and professionalism.

Common error

A common mistake is to assume "whilst" and "after" can be combined for stylistic variation. However, this creates grammatical ambiguity. "Whilst" indicates simultaneity, whereas "after" indicates sequence. Choose one or rephrase for clarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "whilst after" functions as a temporal conjunction, attempting to link two events in time. However, it's grammatically problematic because "whilst" indicates simultaneity, conflicting with "after's" sequential meaning. Although Ludwig provides examples, Ludwig AI flags the combination as incorrect.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

79%

News & Media

14%

Wiki

7%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "whilst after" is generally considered grammatically incorrect due to the conflicting meanings of "whilst" (simultaneous) and "after" (sequential). Although Ludwig provides examples where it appears, it's more prevalent in scientific and news contexts. Ludwig AI identifies the construction as flawed, suggesting clearer alternatives like "while subsequently" or "while following". To maintain clarity and grammatical correctness, it's best to avoid "whilst after" in formal writing and opt for more precise alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

while subsequently

Replaces 'after' with 'subsequently' to emphasize the sequence, while keeping the 'while' for simultaneity.

while following

Uses 'following' to indicate a sequence of events occurring concurrently with the initial action.

during the time after

This expresses the duration of time immediately after a specific event.

while in the period after

More descriptive, specifying a time frame after something else happened.

during the subsequent period

Focuses on the time period that comes directly after an initial event.

meanwhile subsequently

Expresses the simultaneous nature of an event followed by a secondary action.

at the same time later

Conveys simultaneity and sequence but is less formal.

during the post period

A concise expression of time during the period that comes after.

while and then

Separates simultaneous and sequential events, providing more clarity.

concurrently following

Highlights the simultaneous and subsequent nature of events.

FAQs

Is "whilst after" grammatically correct?

No, the phrase "whilst after" is grammatically incorrect. "Whilst" and "after" serve different functions in a sentence. A better alternative would be "while subsequently" or "while following".

How can I replace "whilst after" in a sentence?

Depending on the intended meaning, you can use alternatives such as "while subsequently", "during the time after", or "while following".

What is the difference between "whilst" and "after"?

"Whilst" indicates that two actions are happening at the same time. "After" indicates that one action happens following another. Combining them creates an ungrammatical construction. For example you can use "while and then".

Why is "whilst after" considered incorrect in formal writing?

In formal writing, clarity and precision are essential. "Whilst after" is ambiguous and grammatically awkward. More precise phrases like "during the subsequent period" or "at the same time later" are preferable.