Grammar / C1 Grammar lessons and exercises / Contrasting Ideas
We use different conjunctions and expressions to connect contrasting ideas or to show that one fact makes another fact surprising.
Although she now flies down the slopes, it took her years to learn to ski well.
He's really busy. He still offered to help, though.
I passed the exam even though I hardly studied.
While I don't agree, I understand their point of view.
Much as I'd love a holiday this year, I just can't afford it.
After in spite of and despite, we use a noun phrase or an -ing form.
despite / in spite of + noun or verb-ing
We arrived on time in spite of missing the train.
Their restaurant succeeded despite the bad reviews.
If we want to use a full clause with a subject and verb, we can use the fact that.
We arrived on time, in spite of the fact that we missed the train.
Their restaurant succeeded, despite the fact that they received bad reviews.
These are followed by a subject + verb.
although / though / even though + subject + verb
Although Marjorie lost the election, many more people voted for her than the first time.
I love my Italian conversation class, though I struggled at first.
Even though my team lost, it was great to be in the stadium for the final.
Even though is slightly stronger and more emphatic than although and though.
Though can also go at the end of the second phrase. This is especially common in spoken English.
I didn't know anyone when I first got to uni. I soon made friends, though.
Even if means whether or not or no matter whether. It is followed by a subject and verb.
even if + subject + verb
Even if you are an expert swimmer, you should be careful at this beach.
While can mean "although" when introducing a contrast.
While I made some mistakes in my driving exam, I still passed.
While and whereas can also mean "but" or "compared with the fact that".
While / Whereas Ivan is very sociable, his brother is more reserved.
My trip home was quick and easy, whereas / while my colleagues were delayed for hours.
Much as is more formal. It can mean although, despite how much or no matter how much.
Much as I enjoyed studying abroad, it was good to return home.
| Expression | Followed by | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| despite / in spite of | noun / -ing | contrast |
| although / though / even though | subject + verb | contrast |
| even if | subject + verb | whether or not |
| while / whereas | clause | comparison / contrast |
| much as | clause | formal contrast |
❌ Despite she was tired, she continued working.
✅ Although she was tired, she continued working.
✅ Despite being tired, she continued working.
❌ In spite of she missed the train, she arrived on time.
✅ In spite of missing the train, she arrived on time.
❌ Even though you take a taxi, you'll still miss your train.
✅ Even if you take a taxi, you'll still miss your train.