Linking Words of Contrast

Words and phrases that show CONTRAST or OPPOSITION between two ideas. BUT (conjunction, mid-sentence): "I like coffee but I don't like tea." ALTHOUGH/THOUGH (conjunctions, start or mid): "Although it was raining, we went out" or "We went out although it was raining." HOWEVER (adverb, sentence connector): "It was raining. However, we went out." DESPITE/IN SPITE OF (prepositions + noun/gerund): "Despite the rain, we went out" / "In spite of being tired, she continued." EVEN THOUGH (stronger than although): "Even though I studied hard, I failed." WHEREAS/WHILE (compare two facts): "He likes coffee whereas/while she prefers tea."

• • BUT: joins two contrasting clauses in one sentence → I like X but I don't like Y
• • ALTHOUGH/THOUGH: + subject + verb (clause) → Although it's expensive, I'll buy it
• • Position: Although can start or appear mid-sentence
• • HOWEVER: connects two sentences; comma after → It's expensive. However, it's good.
• • DESPITE/IN SPITE OF: + noun/pronoun/gerund (-ing) → despite the rain / despite being tired
• • NOT: despite of* (wrong) → just despite
• • Despite the fact that + clause (formal) → Despite the fact that it was raining...
• • EVEN THOUGH: stronger/more emphatic than although
• • WHEREAS/WHILE: compare two contrasting facts (not time)

1. 1

   BUT — joins contrasting ideas in one sentence

   "I like coffee but I don't like tea." / "It's expensive but it's worth it." / "She's smart but lazy." / "I wanted to go but I was too tired."

2. 2

   ALTHOUGH/THOUGH — + clause (subject + verb)

   "Although it was raining, we went out." / "We went out although it was raining." / "Though she's young, she's very mature." / "I enjoyed it although it was difficult."

3. 3

   HOWEVER — connects two sentences (formal)

   "It was raining. However, we went out." / "It's expensive. However, it's worth it." / "I studied hard; however, I failed the test."

4. 4

   DESPITE/IN SPITE OF — + noun/gerund

   "Despite the rain, we went out." / "In spite of the cold, we swam." / "Despite being tired, she continued." / "In spite of his age, he's very active."

5. 5

   DESPITE/IN SPITE OF + the fact that — + clause

   "Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out." / "In spite of the fact that she's young, she's very experienced."

6. 6

   EVEN THOUGH — stronger emphasis than although

   "Even though I studied for hours, I failed." / "Even though she's a millionaire, she lives simply." / "I love him even though he's annoying."

• BUT: clause + but + clause (mid-sentence)
• ALTHOUGH/THOUGH: + clause (subject + verb)
• HOWEVER: sentence. However, sentence. (formal)
• DESPITE/IN SPITE OF: + noun/gerund (NOT clause*)
• despite the rain (NOT despite of*)
• EVEN THOUGH: stronger than although

Discussing weekend plans