Grammar

Express contrast using the following the prompts in brackets.

Clauses and linkers of contrast

Contrast linkers although, however, in spite of, despite, even though, whereas are more frequently used in written English than in spoken English.

  • Although and whereas introduce a clause and are followed by a subject and a verb.
    He was interested in mathematics although he never used his mathematical skills in any jobs he held.
  • When although clause comes first, it is followed by a comma.
    Although he was interested in mathematics, he never used his mathematical skills in any jobs he held.
  • However is used to start a new sentence and it is always followed by a comma.
    He was sure he could complete the difference engine in three years.
    However, the construction proceeded lower than he expected.
  • In spite of and despite are followed by an –ing form or a noun/noun phrase.
    He failed to graduate with honours in spite of being a top mathematician.
    He failed to graduate with honours despite being a top mathematician.
  • When in spite of and despite come first, they are followed by a comma.
    In spite of being a top mathematician, he failed to graduate with honours.
    Despite being a top mathematician, he failed to graduate with honours.
a)Turing produced unconventional answers. But he won almost every possible mathematics prize at school. (in spite of)
b)Modern scientists have stated that Babbage's Analytical Engine was a viable model. But the limitations of Newtonian physics prevented its realization at the time. (although)
c)For the first time Turing was able to find someone with whom he could share his thoughts and ideas. But his friend Morcom died in February 1930. (however)
d)Edison knew he would hear his own words when experimenting with tin foil phonograph. But he was astonished when they were spoken back to him. (although)
e)Edison’s name was used in the title of electric company – Edison General Electric. But he never controlled this company. (despite)
f)With the development of gasoline powered cars electric vehicles were becoming less common. But the Edison alkaline battery still proved to be useful. (however)
g)Babbage is often credited with developing the first general-purpose computer. But he never actually built any of them. (although)