CONNECTORS

1. Although, even though, though, in spite of, despite (the fact that)

- When you want to contrast two pieces of information in a single sentence and say
that the second fact is surprising after the first, you can use these connectors.

I like him although we’re very different.

even though ( + clause)
though
despite the fact that
in spite of the fact that

- You can also begin the sentence with the connectors:

Although we’re very different, I like him.

Even though
Though
Despite the fact that
In spite of the fact that

Although and even though can be used at the beginning and in the middle of a
sentence.
Though can be used at the beginning, in the middle or at the end of a sentence. It can
also be followed only by an adjective.

Though tired, I went to work.

- You can also use the –ing form or a noun after in spite of and despite.

In spite of losing my wallet, I still enjoyed the trip.

Despite

In spite of her illness, she went to work yesterday.

Despite

2. However and nevertheless

Both of these connectors link contrasting ideas in two different sentences separated by
a full stop or a semi-colon.

You can use however and nevertheless when you are expressing a contrast which is
surprising, as with although, etc.

I like him very much. However, we are very different.

Nevertheless,

However can be used at the beginning of a sentence followed by a comma, or in the

middle of a sentence preceded and followed by commas.
Mary is rich. Her sister,/; however, is poor.
However, her sister is poor.

You cannot use nevertheless in the middle of a sentence.

The subordinating conjunctions of contrast (although, despite the fact that, even
though, in spite of the fact that, though) are sometimes preceded by a comma when
they follow the main clause. The choice depends upon whether a pause sounds
natural.

Ex.: Although I saw the first part of that documentary, I missed the conclusion.

I missed the conclusion, although I saw the first part of that documentary.

Even though she lives next door, I don't know her name.

I don't know her name even though she lives next door.

In spite of (= Despite) the fact that he was ill, he played the whole game.

He played the whole game in spite of (= despite) the fact that he was ill.

Instructions: Choose the correct answer.

Q1 - She went out ____ the rain.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q2 - She went out ____ it was raining.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q3 - She went out ____ the fact that it was raining.

although
despite
Either could be used here.

Q4 - ____ she didn't like it, I enjoyed it a lot.

Though
Although
Either could be used here.

Q5 - It was good, ____ expensive.

though
despite
Either could be used here.

Q6 - I was late. _____, the others were all on time.

Although
However
Despite

Q7 - ____ I was late, the others were all on time.

Although
However
Despite
Q8 - They managed it ____ I wasn't there.
although
despite
however

Q9 - They managed it ____ the fact that I wasn't there.

although
however
despite

Q10 - ____ tired, he managed to finish it on time.

Though
Despite
Either could be used here.

Q11 - 'You did it!'

'I didn't enjoy it much, though.'
'I didn't enjoy it much, although.'

Q12 - ____ of the opportunity, no one bothered.

Despite
In spite
Although
Though

Combine the following sentences using coordinating conjunctions (and, but, nor, or,
so, yet - use each conjunction once):

1. Many of the items were broken. He sent the package back to the manufacturer.

2. She placed her hat on the bench. A white butterfly landed on it.

3. He knew that all of these terrible images were just part of a dream. He couldn't
wake up.

4. You must learn to accept your weaknesses. You will never be happy.

5. The longest river in the world is the Nile. It is not the river which carries the
greatest volume of water.