diff --git a/runtime/syntax/whitespace.vim b/runtime/syntax/whitespace.vim
new file mode 100644
index 0000000..4d2e32e
--- /dev/null
+++ b/runtime/syntax/whitespace.vim
@@ -0,0 +1,13 @@
+" Simplistic way to make spaces and Tabs visible
+
+" This can be added to an already active syntax.
+
+syn match Space " "
+syn match Tab "\t"
+if &background == "dark"
+  hi def Space ctermbg=darkred guibg=#500000
+  hi def Tab ctermbg=darkgreen guibg=#003000
+else
+  hi def Space ctermbg=lightred guibg=#ffd0d0
+  hi def Tab ctermbg=lightgreen guibg=#d0ffd0
+endif