Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Linking words show the relationships between ideas in your speech or writing. The use of linking words provides clarity and logical flow. In today’s lesson, we will look at linking words for contrasting ideas.

• However
• Although/though/even though
• In spite of/despite
• While/whereas
• On the other hand

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However

However is usually placed at the beginning of a sentence. It shows the contrast between two sentences or clauses.

• Most people will say that they hate working on Sundays. However, Andy is an exception.
• Sara’s trip to Hawaii was expensive; however, it was worth it.
• Peter wasn’t very well-mannered; however, he was never rude.

A less formal word to use instead of however is but.

• No news was coming but Rebecca was hoping.

Find words and phrases to use instead of however here

Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Although/though/even though

Although is a subordinating conjunction which can be placed at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. It means “regardless of the fact”.

• Although she was quite tall, Sandra was very graceful.
• Karen looked lovely although she was tired.

Learn more about the difference between although, though and even though here

Find different ways to say although here

Unlike although, though can be placed at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence and it is used mostly in spoken language.

• I can’t find my glasses though I looked everywhere.
• Though he was almost forty, Mark was still unmarried.
• He gained a lot of weight; it hadn’t stopped him from eating excessively, though.

Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

Even though has the same meaning as although and though, but it is more emphatic.

• Brian never bought a new car even though he was rich.
• Even though Mary was over 90, she enjoyed very good health.

In spite of/despite

Both in spite of and despite mean that something is happening though something else may prevent it. Remember to always use a noun, gerund or a pronoun after in spite of and despite.

• In spite of their misunderstandings, they remained good friends till old age.
• Despite the cold weather, they decided to go skiing.

While/whereas

We can use the linking words while and whereas to make contrast.

• While my car was old, it ran very well.
• Jane thought the film was awesome, whereas I found it a bit dull.

Linking Words for Contrasting Ideas

On the other hand

We can use the phrase on the one hand…on the other hand to introduce a contrasting idea.

• On the one hand, I’d like to go on a city break for the weekend, but on the other hand, I’d also like to save some money.
• Sheila was impressed by the job offer but on the other hand, she didn’t want to leave her present job because she loved it.

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