LINKING WORDS : EXPRESSING CONTRAST

LINKING WORDS : EXPRESSING CONTRAST


Although, even though + clause can come before or after the main clause.

Although/Even though the car is old, it is still reliable.
Although I’m not used to playing tennis, I played it quite well yesterday.

Notice even though is more informal.

Despite, in spite of + a noun or noun phrase or -ing form.

In spite of the noise, the students could study for their test.
In spite of/Despite the rain, I went for a walk.

Despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that + clause.

In spite of the fact that it was raining, the celebration took place as usual.

However / nevertheless / nonetheless can come at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence.

Many people think that scientists are abusing of animals. However, the same people do nothing to stop the problem.
Buying a house is expensive. It is, however, a good investment.

Though is more informal and comes at the end of a sentence.

I’m determined to buy a house this year, I don’t know Where exactly, though.
It’s a big decision to make, though.

But, while, whereas are usually placed in the middle of two main clauses expresing contrasting ideas.

Fayssal is very rich but/while/whereas his friends are extremely poor.

On the one hand and on the other hand can be used at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of two sentences expressing contrasting ideas.

On the one hand these computers are expensive. On the other hand they are exactly what we want.

Notice on the other hand is often used at the beginning of the second sentence.