Curso Gratis OM First Certificate-Preparacion Gratuita del examen FCE First Certificate-Cursos de Ingles Gratis

Expressing contrast

HOW TO SHOW CONTRAST

There are various ways in which you may show a contrast between two ideas. Let us study them:

CONTRAST PREVIOUS SENTENCE

◄

however / but
nevertheless / yet

PLEASE NOTE:

However, but, nevertheless and yet introduce a contrast to the previous sentence:

Katty couldn't cash her paycheck ...

►

However, she managed to buy a new TV set.

►

But she managed to buy a new TV set.

►

Nevertheless, she managed to buy a new TV set.

►

Yet she managed to buy a new TV set.

although
even though
though

► CLAUSE (SUBJECT + VERB)

PLEASE NOTE:

a)	Though and even though may be used instead of although.
b)	Even though is a stronger form of although.

►

Although it rained a lot,

►

Even though it rained a lot,

►

Though it rained a lot,

... we enjoyed our vacation.

c)	*In spoken English we often use though* at the end of the sentence.**

►

It rained a lot. We enjoyed our vacation though.

in spite of / despite

► NOUN
► PRONOUN
► –ING VERB

PLEASE NOTE:

Despite may be used in the same way as in spite of, but it is usually only found in formal English. You can also use Despite the fact that... or In spite of the fact that...:

►

In spite of the rain, / In spite of raining all day,

►

Despite the rain, / Despite how much it rained,

►

Despite the fact that it was raining,

►

In spite of the fact that it was raining,

... we enjoyed our vacation.

although ◄

VERSUS

► in spite of / despite

PLEASE NOTE:

Although, in spite of and despite can be used to express similar ideas, but the sentence construction is quite different:

►

Although the traffic was bad, I arrived on time.

►

In spite of the traffic, I arrived on time.

►

I couldn't sleep, although I was very tired.

►

I couldn't sleep, despite being very tired.

Below, you will find two activities to practise this grammar.

MY USEFUL LINKS / MIS ENLACES UTILES

1.	Although they had only known each other for two weeks, they decided to get married. (HOWEVER)

2.	Although he behaved badly, she praised him. (IN SPITE OF)

3.	Although he promised it would never happen again, she insisted on a divorce. (NEVERTHELESS)

4.	Despite his charm and good looks she did not like him. (ALTHOUGH)

5.	She is well-qualified, but I don't want to work with her. (IN SPITE OF)

6.	Although they always seem kind and straightforward, I don't trust them. (YET)

7.	He didn't know his neighbours very well, but he invited them to his party. (ALTHOUGH)

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