Contrast linkers show that two ideas pull in different directions. At C1 the challenge is grammar, not meaning: some linkers take a full clause, some take a noun or -ing form, and some connect two separate sentences.
The pattern
Although the budget was tight, we hired two engineers.
Despite the tight budget, we hired two engineers.
The budget was tight. However, we hired two engineers.
01Clause, noun or new sentence?
Before you choose a linker, look at what comes after it.
| Linker | What follows | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although, even though, though | subject + verb | Although it was raining, the game went on. |
| despite, in spite of | noun or -ing form | Despite the rain, the game went on. |
| despite the fact that | subject + verb | Despite the fact that it was raining, the game went on. |
| however, nevertheless, even so | a new sentence | It was raining. However, the game went on. |
| whereas, while | subject + verb, comparing two facts | I drink coffee, whereas my husband drinks tea. |
| but, yet | a second clause in the same sentence | It was raining, but the game went on. |
02Despite and in spite of
They mean the same thing. Despite never takes of, while in spite of always does. Follow them with a noun or an -ing form, including a negative: "Despite not having a degree, she got the job." If you want a full clause, add the fact that.
- Despite feeling nervous, she aced the interview.
- In spite of the delays, the store opened before Black Friday.
- Despite the fact that he was new, he spoke up in every meeting.
03However and though
However and nevertheless are adverbs, not conjunctions, so they cannot join two clauses with only a comma. Use a period or a semicolon before them. In conversation, Americans more often put though at the end of the second sentence.
- The offer is generous; however, I need a few days to think.
- The offer is generous. I need a few days to think, though.
04Whereas and while
Use whereas or while to set two different facts side by side. Whereas sounds more formal; while is more common in speech. Even though is stronger than although and adds surprise.
05Common mistakes
Despite of the traffic, we arrived on time.
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
Despite never takes of. Only in spite of does.
Although it was expensive, but we bought it.
Although it was expensive, we bought it.
Use one contrast linker, not two, to connect the same idea.
Despite it was late, she kept working.
Although it was late, she kept working.
Despite needs a noun or -ing form, not a full clause.
The hotel was nice, however the location was bad.
The hotel was nice. However, the location was bad.
However cannot join two clauses with only a comma.