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.