As English learners, we often encounter situations where we need to express contrasting ideas in our speech or writing. This is where connectors of contrast come in handy. These are words or phrases that help us show the difference or opposition between two ideas. In this article, we will explore various connectors of contrast and how to use them effectively.
In English, connectors of contrast are words or phrases that are used to show a difference or opposition between two ideas or concepts. These connectors are important for expressing a variety of complex ideas, and they help to create a sense of comparison or contradiction between two things.
Connectors of contrast are used to link two ideas or sentences that are opposite or different in meaning. They help to highlight the differences between two things and to create a sense of contrast between them. Examples of connectors of contrast include “although,” “however,” “nevertheless,” “on the other hand,” “despite,” and “in contrast.”
One of the most common uses of connectors of contrast is in academic writing. They are often used to show the differences between two theories or to compare the results of two experiments. Connectors of contrast are also used in everyday conversation to express disagreement or to highlight differences between two people or things.
It is important to use connectors of contrast correctly, as using them incorrectly can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. For example, using “although” when you mean “despite” can change the meaning of a sentence entirely. Therefore, it is important to understand the different types of connectors of contrast and how to use them correctly in context.
However
Related 45 Useful Sequence Words in English for English StudentsUsed to indicate contrast or contradiction
-> We all tried our best. However, we lost the game.
Nevertheless
Used to say something which contrasts with what has just been said
-> He was very tired; nevertheless, he went on walking.
Used to say something that is different from the first thing mentioned
-> Nuclear power is relatively cheap. On the other hand, you could argue that it’s not safe.
On the contrary
Used to show that a thought or feeling which is the opposite of what has just started
-> You think you are clever; on the contrary, I assure you that you are very foolish.
Even so
Used to indicate something that is unusual or extreme
-> The new method is not perfect; even so, it’s much better than the old one.
Notwithstanding
Means despite the thing mentioned
-> Notwithstanding she is beautiful, she doesn’t think it goes for much.
Though
Used to show that two ideas are opposing one another
-> Though she’s almost 40, she still plans to compete.
Otherwise
Used to show what the result will be if the thing or condition, mentioned before, does not occur
-> Walk slowly on the ice, otherwise, you’ll fall.
Despite/ In Spite of
Used to show something which happens without being affected by something else
-> She looked lovely, despite her strange apparel.
Even though
Used as a stronger way to say “though” or “although“
-> We decided to play on even though it was snowing.
Although
Used for introducing a new statement that makes the main statement surprising
-> She walked home by herself, although she knew that it was dangerous.
Nonetheless
Used to link two contradictory thoughts
-> The substance may not affect humans. Nonetheless, the FDA is examining it closely.
Conversely
Used to express an idea that is different from or opposite the other idea mentioned before
-> American consumers prefer white eggs; conversely, British buyers like brown eggs.
Whereas
Used for comparing two things which have significant differences from each other
-> She is slender, whereas he is stout.
In contrast
Used to compare two things or people and to say that the second one is very different from the first one
-> It was cold yesterday, in contrast, it’s very hot today.
But
Used to add a statement which is different from what you have said before
-> It’s an old car, but it’s very reliable.
Yet
Used to add something that is surprising after the first sentence which is mentioned before
-> Kelly was a convicted criminal, yet many people admired him.
Related Transition Words: Useful List of 99 Linking Words in EnglishWhile
Means “during the time” or “throughout the time“
-> While there was no conclusive evidence, most people thought he was guilty.
Adversative connectors are used to express a contrast or opposition between two ideas. Some common adversative connectors include “but,” “however,” “nevertheless,” and “on the other hand.” These connectors are often used to show a contrast between two opposing ideas or to introduce a counterargument.
For example, “She is a great singer, but she is not very good at dancing.” In this sentence, the connector “but” is used to express a contrast between the two ideas of singing and dancing.
Concessive connectors are used to express a contrast between two ideas, but they also acknowledge that one idea may be true despite the contrast. Some common concessive connectors include “although,” “even though,” “despite,” and “in spite of.” These connectors are often used to show a contrast between two ideas, but also to acknowledge that one idea may be true despite the contrast.
For example, “Although it was raining, we still went for a walk.” In this sentence, the connector “although” is used to express a contrast between the idea of raining and going for a walk, but it also acknowledges that they still went for a walk despite the rain.
Comparative connectors are used to express a contrast between two ideas by comparing them. Some common comparative connectors include “moreover,” “furthermore,” “in addition,” and “likewise.” These connectors are often used to show a contrast between two ideas by comparing them.
For example, “He is not only a great actor, but he is also a talented musician.” In this sentence, the connector “not only…but also” is used to express a contrast between the two ideas of acting and music, by comparing them.
Complete the following sentences by choosing the appropriate connector of contrast from the list provided:
List of connectors: although, despite, however, even though, in spite of
Write a short paragraph (3-4 sentences) about a topic of your choice using at least three different connectors of contrast. Here is an example:
Related Time Order Words: Useful List of 68 Time Order Words in English“Although I love chocolate, I try to limit my intake because of the calories. However, I can’t resist a good chocolate cake, even though I know it’s not good for me. In spite of my efforts to cut back, I still find myself indulging in chocolate treats from time to time.”
Read the following passage and answer the questions that follow:
“Despite the fact that she had studied for weeks, she still failed the exam. However, she didn’t let this setback discourage her. Although it was difficult, she continued to work hard and eventually passed the class with flying colors.”
What are some examples of connectors for contrasting ideas?
Connectors for contrasting ideas are used to show a difference or a contrast between two or more ideas. Some examples of connectors for contrasting ideas include “however,” “although,” “nevertheless,” “nonetheless,” “in contrast,” “on the other hand,” “yet,” and “despite.”
What are some common linking words used to show contrast?
Common linking words used to show contrast include “but,” “yet,” “however,” “although,” “even though,” “on the other hand,” “in contrast,” “despite,” and “nevertheless.”
How do connectors of contrast differ from connectors of comparison?
Connectors of contrast are used to show a difference or a contrast between two or more ideas, while connectors of comparison are used to show similarities or differences between two or more things or ideas.
What are some examples of sentences that use connectors of contrast?
Can you provide some examples of connectors that emphasize contrast?
Connectors that emphasize contrast include “even though,” “despite,” “in spite of,” “however,” and “nevertheless.”
What are some connectors used to show cause and effect in contrast?
Some connectors used to show cause and effect in contrast include “while,” “although,” “even though,” “despite,” and “in spite of.” These connectors are used to show that one thing causes or leads to another, even though there is a contrast between them.
Last Updated on November 13, 2023
