English Practice & Support

Theory:

'In spite of', 'despite', 'although', and 'even though' are all used to show contrast, but there are differences in the way they are used.

After 'in spite of' and 'despite' we need to use a noun or a pronoun. This noun is often the gerund form of a verb, which behaves like a noun.

He failed his exam despite studying a lot.

He failed his exam in spite of studying a lot.

He went fishing despite the rain.

He went fishing in spite of the rain.

After 'although' and 'even though', we need to use a subject and a verb.

He failed his exam although he studied a lot.

He failed his exam even though he studied a lot.

He went fishing although it rained.

He went fishing even though it rained.

We can use 'in spite of' and 'despite' with a subject and verb if we include the expression 'the fact that'.

He failed his exam despite the fact that he studied a lot.

He failed his exam in spite of the fact that he studied a lot.

He went fishing despite the fact that it rained.

He went fishing in spite of the fact that it rained.

'Even though' is a slightly stronger form of 'although'.

There is a group of linking words which show contrast and are normally placed at the beginning of a sentence. In this position, they are always followed by a comma.

Examples of these are: However, Nevertheless, Still, Yet, Even so, On the contrary, and In contrast.

He studied a lot. However, he failed his exam.

He studied a lot. Nevertheless, he failed his exam.

He studied a lot. Still, he failed his exam.

He studied a lot. Yet, he failed his exam.

He studied a lot. Even so, he failed his exam.

This picture shows happy people. On the contrary, the people in this picture are sad.

This picture shows happy people. In contrast, the people in this picture are sad.

Common linking words between paragraphs are:

On the one hand, On the other hand, and On balance.

On the one hand education is very important.

On the other hand it can be very expensive.

'Whereas' is a linking word which shows contrast, and is usually used within a sentence, and doesn't need a comma.

I study a lot whereas my friend hardly does anything.

These words are given in this section because these are very common fixed word groups that are widel used in texts for the FCE exam. Furthermore, students are expected to use these constructions in their speaking and writing work.