Contrast linkers
Showing contrast
- Contrast linkers join two opposite ideas ("X, but surprisingly Y").
- Although it was raining, we went out.
- The trick is what comes after each linker.
although / though / even though
- Followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
- Although it was raining, we went out.
- even though is stronger; though can also go at the end: It's expensive, though.
Choose: ___ it was raining, we went out. (followed by a full clause)
Before a full clause (subject + verb), use “although”, not “despite”.
Translate into English: 虽然在下雨,我们还是出门了。
Contrast + clause → although: “Although it was raining, we went out.”
despite / in spite of
- Followed by a noun or -ing form — not a full clause.
- Despite the rain, we went out. In spite of being tired, she kept going.
- Not despite it was raining — use despite the rain.
Complete: ___ the rain, we went out. (despite / although)
Before a noun (“the rain”), use “despite” / “in spite of”.
Is this correct? “Despite it was raining, we went out.”
“despite” needs a noun/-ing, not a clause: “Despite the rain …” or “Although it was raining …”.
however / nevertheless
- Link two separate sentences; usually first word + a comma.
- It was expensive. However, we bought it.
- Don't use however like but to glue two clauses together.
Which contrast pattern fits?
although + clause; despite + noun/-ing; however + a brand-new sentence.
Common mistakes
- ❌ Although it rained, but we went out. → keep only one connector.
- ❌ Despite of the rain… → ✓ despite the rain / in spite of the rain — don't cross the two.
- ❌ It was expensive, however we bought it. → ✓ …expensive. However, we bought it.
Match the linker to what follows it.
although + clause; despite + noun/-ing; however starts a new sentence; though can close one.
Which sentence is correct?
despite + noun. For a clause, switch to although: Although it was raining…
- although / even though + a clause (subject + verb).
- despite / in spite of + a noun / -ing.
- however / nevertheless link two separate sentences (with a comma).
Write one sentence that shows a contrast, using “although” or “despite” correctly.
Example: “Although the test was hard, I passed.”