Connectors of contrast are words or phrases that links two ideas that are different or opposite. They can be:
Prepositions (despite, in spite of) → followed by a noun or -ing
Conjunctions (but, although, while) → connect clauses
Adverbs / sentence connectors (however, nevertheless) → connect sentences
A1–A2 Connector of Contrast
| Connector | Use | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| but | Simple contrast between two ideas | No comma before if short; usually comma before in writing | I like tea, but I prefer coffee. |
| however | More formal contrast, often in writing | Full stop + capital OR semicolon + comma | I like tea. However, I prefer coffee. |
| although | Introduces contrast in one sentence | Comma between clauses | Although I like tea, I prefer coffee. |
| though | Informal, often at the end | Comma before “though” | I like tea. I prefer coffee, though. |
B1–B2 Connectors of Contrast
1. Connecting ideas in ONE sentence
| Connector | Use | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| even though | Stronger than “although” | Comma between clauses | Even though it was raining, we went out. |
| whereas | Contrast between two subjects | Comma before second clause | I like tea, whereas she prefers coffee. |
| while | Similar to “whereas”, less formal | Comma between clauses | I like tea, while she prefers coffee. |
| yet | Slightly formal alternative to “but” | Comma before “yet” | He is rich, yet he is unhappy. |
2. Connecting ideas across sentences
| Connector | Use | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| on the other hand | Balanced contrast (often with “on the one hand”) | Comma after connector | I like tea. On the other hand, coffee is stronger. |
| nevertheless | Strong, formal contrast | Full stop + capital + comma | It was raining. Nevertheless, we went out. |
| in contrast | Clear difference between ideas | Comma after connector | I like tea. In contrast, she prefers coffee. |
3. Different structures (prepositions)
| Connector | Use | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| despite | Followed by noun / -ing | Comma if at start | Despite the rain, we went out. |
| in spite of | Same as “despite” | Comma if at start | In spite of the rain, we went out. |
| unlike | Compares two different things | No comma in short phrases | Unlike coffee, tea is mild. |
C1-C2 Connectors of Contrast
| Connector | Use | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| nonetheless | Formal, similar to “nevertheless” | Full stop + comma | It was late. Nonetheless, we continued. |
| even so | More conversational contrast | Full stop + comma | It was expensive. Even so, I bought it. |
| notwithstanding | Very formal (academic/legal) | Often at start + comma | Notwithstanding the cost, we proceeded. |
| conversely | Analytical contrast (opposite direction) | Full stop + comma | Coffee energizes you. Conversely, tea relaxes you. |
Common Mistakes with Connectors of Contrast
1. Using two contrast connectors together
Wrong:
Although I like coffee, but I don’t drink it.
Right:
Although I like coffee, I don’t drink it.
2. Wrong structure after “despite / in spite of”
Wrong:
Despite it was raining, we went out.
Right:
Despite the rain, we went out.
Although it was raining, we went out.
3. Missing punctuation with “however / nevertheless”
Wrong:
I like coffee however I don’t drink it.
Right:
I like coffee. However, I don’t drink it.
4. Using “though” incorrectly
Wrong:
Though I like coffee. I don’t drink it.
Right:
Though I like coffee, I don’t drink it.
I like coffee. I don’t drink it, though.
5. Confusing “while” (contrast vs time)
While can mean contrast OR time Be careful with meaning:
Contrast:
I like tea, while she prefers coffee.
Time:
I was drinking tea while she was cooking.
Connectors of Contrast Exercises
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