Connectors III
How to express contrast
How to express contrast
As we said in unit 3, once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written English, you will want to express yourself in increasingly complex ways. One of the best ways to improve your writing style is to use sentence connectors. Sentence connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and to combine sentences. As we have seen in the previous page, how to express contrast in "for and against compositions" is very important; so in this section we'll try to have a look at some different possibilities to do this.
In the first place, we have conjunctions expressing contrast, such as: although, though, even though, whereas, while, but
And then, some prepositions, which have to be used in a determined way: despite, in spite of
And, finally, we have some connectors or linkers: on the one hand ... on the other hand, however (adv), yet (adv), in contrast to, after all ...
Let's see what we can do when we want to contrast two ideas in a single sentence and say that the second fact is somehow surprising after the first:
- Life in London is very expensive. Life in London can be extremely interesting. (Sentence number 2 shows contrast to sentence number 1)
Using a sentence connector expressing contrast we can say: Despite the fact that life in London is very expensive, it can be extremely interesting.
Although/Even though/Though life in London is very expensive, it can be extremely interesting.
Life in London is very expensive. However, it can be very interesting
Whereas is used to contrast an opinion about a person, a place or thing, with something different from another person, place or thing. Usually the second fact or opinion is a contrast with the first:
I really like fish, whereas my wife can't stand it
However is used mostly to contrast two ideas in different sentences or paragraphs. In the same way we can use "on the other hand":
It's not a very nice flat. On
the other hand, it's cheap. (However, it's cheap)
Try this link to clarify your ideas: Expressing Contrast
1. ... we arrived late, we could still get the train.
|
a. Although
| |
|
b. Despite
|
|
a. However
| |
|
b. Whereas
|
|
a. despite
| |
|
b. in spite of
|
|
a. However
| |
|
b. Yet
|
|
a. however
| |
|
b. whereas
|
|
a. although
| |
|
b. on the other hand
|
Important
- As you have seen in the previous explanation some connectors have got similar meanings but are followed by different structures.
- Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun phrase or a gerund.
Despite the cold weather, we went for a walk.
I tried to look happy in spite of feeling upset.
- Even though and although are followed by a clause.
Even though my car is new, it constantly needs repairs.
My sister and I are very close, although she's much older than me.
- You also have to consider that connectors are usually written in specific places in a sentence:
At the beginning of a sentence: however, nevertheless, on the one hand, on the other hand, in contrast to.
Either at the beginning or in the middle: despite, in spite of, although, even though.
Only in the middle of a sentence: but
Try to rewrite these sentences using the connector in brackets
Example: We decided to go for a walk even though it was very cold (in spite of) → We decided to go for a walk in spite of the cold
1. We're studying now although there's an interesting film on TV. (nevertheless)
2. Even though we were having difficulties, we felt optimistic. (In spite of)
3. He didn't pass the exam despite all his hard work. (although)
4. On the one hand, I'd love to come. On the other hand, I really haven't got the time. (However)
5. Sheile loves playing sport. However, she's not very good at it. (but)