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.