Linking Words

We use linking words to join ideas together when we’re talking or writing. Sometimes we want to link two ideas that are different from each other or we want to link one idea to another one which is surprising or unexpected. What are the differences between linking words of contrastalthough, however, nevertheless, even though, despite, despite the fact that, in spite of?

But / However

However (проте) is used to introduce a contrast or contradiction. However is usually followed by a comma. But is more informal than however. You can use however at the beginning of a sentence, but you can’t use but at the beginning of a sentence (in written English). You should not use however after a comma: either start a new sentence or use a semi-colon.

  • The weather was cold; however, we still went for a walk.
  • The job was interesting; however, there were many challenges.
  • Little by little, however, my difficulties began to disappear.
  • Jessica loves dogs. However, she can’t have one because she is allergic to them.
  • However, a bright idea shot into my mind, and the problem was solved.
  • Mary enjoyed her trip to the beach. Her husband, however, got a severe sunburn.
  • She felt satisfied but tired.

Nevertheless

Nevertheless (тим не менш, проте) is similar to however. It shows contrast, but it often emphasizes that the second part is surprising or unexpected. We use however or nevertheless when we want to contrast two full sentences or ideas.

  • The task was difficult; nevertheless, she completed it on time.
  • The math test was very difficult; nevertheless, she earned a good grade.
  • Many marriages fail. Nevertheless, people continue to get married.

Although / Though / Even though

Although (хоча, хоч) and even though are used to express concession. In other words, they indicate a surprising event or action in relation to another thing. They are interchangeable, however, note that even though is stronger than although. They are used to introduce a condition that contrasts with the main clause. We use although/though/even though when we want to contrast with something that happened, followed by a clause (subject + verb). Although and though are interchangeable as conjunctions, but to start a clause, use although.

  • Even though it was raining, they went outside.
  • Although Alex didn’t sleep well, he was very productive today.
  • They finished the project before the deadline, although they had little time.
  • Even though he didn’t have any experience, he decided to apply for the job.
  • I enjoyed the course, although I would have liked more grammar practice.
  • Although we saw each other every day, we didn’t really know each other.
  • Even though she spoke very quietly, he understood every word.
  • She didn’t get the job, even though she had all the necessary qualifications.
  • Though I wasn’t keen on the film, I thought the music was beautiful.

Though can also go at the end of the second phrase. This way of expressing contrasting ideas is most common in spoken English.

  • We waited ages for our food. The waiter was really nice, though.
  • Horror films give me nightmares. I love thrillers, though.

Follow the rules when using although/though/even though:

  • you may use these words in a sentence both at the beginning and in the middle;
  • always put these words at the beginning of the subordinate clause;
  • the comma is required when although/though/even though come at the beginning of the sentence;
  • the comma is not necessary when they come in the middle of the sentence;
  • don’t use although/though/even though with yet and but in the same sentence;
  • don’t use them for direct questions and negative sentences.

Despite / In spite of

Despite/in spite of  (незважаючи на) are used to show a contrast with what is expected. These linking words are the same. They are followed by a noun, gerund (verb + ing), or noun phrase.  In spite of is a little more formal.

  • Despite the rain, they went outside.
  • In spite of the rain, they went outside.
  • Our plane arrived on time in spite of the delay during takeoff.
  • We won the game despite having two fewer players.

Despite the fact that / in spite of the fact that – these phrases are followed by a subject + verb.

  • Our plane arrived on time in spite of the fact that it left 30 minutes late.
  • We won the game despite the fact that we had two fewer players.

While / Whereas / Unlike

These linking words are used to make contrasts. While (тоді як, у той час, як) and whereas (тоді як) are usually used between two complete phrases. Unlike (на відміну від) is typically used with only a subject.

  • I like tennis, while my brother prefers bowling.
  • This mobile plan costs £0.05 per minute, whereas that one gives you up to 800 minutes per month for a fixed price.
  • His boss allows him to work from home, unlike mine.
  • She’s very friendly, unlike her sister.
  • She likes dogs, whereas I prefer cats.
  • The south has a hot, dry climate, whereas/while the north has a milder, wetter climate.
  • Dan’s actually very nice, unlike his father.
  • Unlike you, I’m not a great dancer.
  • While I fully understand your point of view, I also have some sympathy with Michael’s.

While and whereas can also be used in a similar way to although, when contrasting two things:

  • Whereas the purpose of Text 1 is to inform, Text 3 is more persuasive.
  • Whereas most new PCs have several USB slots, older ones often only had one.

Have practice in using linking words of contrast.

Exercise 1. Complete the sentences by filling in the blanks with the correct words from the list: however, even though, although, nevertheless, in spite of.

  1. __________ it was raining, they decided to go for a walk.
  2. The team lost the match. __________, they were proud of their efforts.
  3. She worked very hard. __________, she didn’t pass the exam.
  4. ___________ his injury, he finished the race.
  5. __________ he had little experience, he got the job.
  6. They arrived late to the meeting. __________, they were allowed to present.

Exercise 2. Rewrite the sentences using linking words of contrast (however, even though, although, nevertheless, in spite of).

  1. She was tired, but she continued working. (nevertheless)
  2. The weather was bad, but we went to the beach. (in spite of)
  3. He didn’t study much, but he passed the test. (even though)
  4. It was a difficult exam, but she did very well. (however)
  5. He is very rich, but he lives a simple life. (although)

Exercise 3. Linking words of contrast. Choose the correct answer.

1. We called her five times, ______ she didn’t pick up the phone.
a) but b) whereas c) in spite of

2. I really liked the movie _________ it got bad reviews.
a) however b) even though c) whereas

3. He followed his dream of being an actor ____________ his parents wanted him to be an engineer.
a) in spite of b) however c) despite the fact that

4. The disease is spreading ________ efforts to control it.
a) but b) whereas c) in spite of

5. New York City has a lot of interesting cultural events, ________ my hometown.
a) also b) unlike c) although

6. An intensive course is a great way to learn a language fast, ________ it can be very tiring at times.
a) although b) despite c) unlike

7. __________ Base Details is critical of the war, Who’s for the Game? is very patriotic.
a) in spite of b) whereas c) unlike

8. _______ I understand your point of view, I still don’t agree with you.
a) while b) however c) in spite of

9. We went out ______ the rain.
a) in spite of b) however c) although

10. She went on working ______. being exhausted.
a) although b) despite c) whereas

11. ______ everyone seems to think she’s wonderful, I don’t quite trust her.
a) whereas b) despite c) however

12. I didn’t like the film. ______, everybody else seemed to enjoy it.
a) however b) despite c) unlike

13. ______ Text 1, Text 3 uses a lot of figurative language.
a) although b) unlike c) however

14. We managed to do it ______ he wasn’t there.
a) however b) although c) either could be used here