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Can I say:

While for theorist A, this is perceived differently.

Ultimately, I'm asking if I can start my sentence with 'while' in this fashion.

Thanks!

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    This is more of a grammar question than about writing in general. A better place to ask questions like this would be english.stackexchange.com – Llewellyn Nov 17 '19 at 14:59
  • I think you want "Whereas, for theorist A, … .". – Ray Butterworth Nov 17 '19 at 15:06
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No, because this is not a complete sentence. Your example looks like it's from a scientific review or paper, where it would be too informal and thus inappropriate.

While you can start a sentence with 'while', you need to include the second half of the sentence, too. (Hint: Both halves of the sentence need to contain a verb.) In your case, that would probably be something along the lines of

While theorist B claims X, theorist A perceives the problem differently.

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I don't see why not. Personally I'd go with 'whilst'. You are using the term as a conjunction so we probably need to see the preceding sentence.

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  • The OPs entire sentence is a dependent clause. That is why not. It requires the other half, as Llewellyn has stated. – Thomas Reinstate Monica Myron Nov 17 '19 at 17:56

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