Linking words: Contrasting ideas


Linking words: Contrasting ideas


But / However

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).
§  I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy for me.
§  I tried to lift the box. However, it was too heavy for me.

Although / Even though

 These linking words are the same, and they are both followed by a subject + verb.
§  Although I exercise every day, I can’t seem to lose any weight.
§  She still loves him, even though he treated her very badly.

Despite / In spite of


These linking words are the same, and they are followed by a noun or a gerund(-ing form of the verb, which can function as a noun).
§  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 and whereas are usually used between two complete phrases. Unlike is typically used with only a subject.
§  I like tennis, while my brother prefers bowling.
§  This cell phone 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.

Linking Words Quiz: Contrasting Ideas


There are 8 questions to complete.
Question 1
We called her five times, ______ she didn't pick up the phone.
A
unlike
B
despite
C
but
Question 2
I really liked the movie _________ it got bad reviews.
A
even though
B
however
C
while
Question 3
He followed his dream of being an actor ____________ his parents wanted him to be an engineer.
A
despite the fact that
B
unlike
C
in spite of
Question 4
The disease is spreading ________ efforts to control it.
A
but
B
in spite of
C
whereas
Question 5
New York City has a lot of interesting cultural events, ________ my hometown.
A
while
B
whereas
C
unlike
Question 6
An intensive course is a great way to learn English fast, ________ it can be very tiring at times.
A
although
B
despite
C
unlike
Question 7
You need only one year of training to be a technician, _________ you need more than 7 years of study to be a doctor.
A
even though
B
whereas
C
in spite of
Question 8
_______ I understand your point of view, I still don't agree with you.
A
While
B
However
C
In spite of

Get Results



Question 1
We called her five times, ______ she didn't pick up the phone.
A
unlike
B
despite
C
but
Question 2
I really liked the movie _________ it got bad reviews.
A
even though
B
however
C
while
Question 3
He followed his dream of being an actor ____________ his parents wanted him to be an engineer.
A
despite the fact that
B
unlike
C
in spite of
Question 4
The disease is spreading ________ efforts to control it.
A
but
B
in spite of
C
whereas
Question 5
New York City has a lot of interesting cultural events, ________ my hometown.
A
while
B
whereas
C
unlike
Question 6
An intensive course is a great way to learn English fast, ________ it can be very tiring at times.
A
although
B
despite
C
unlike
Question 7
You need only one year of training to be a technician, _________ you need more than 7 years of study to be a doctor.
A
even though
B
whereas
C
in spite of


Question 8
_______ I understand your point of view, I still don't agree with you.
A
While
B
However
C
In spite of

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