Linking Words for Contrast — Although, Despite, However

Notice how these words connect ideas that contrast with each other.

Notice

  • Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
  • It was raining. However, we went for a walk.
  • Despite the rain, we went for a walk.

Rule

Although/even though + clause; despite/in spite of + noun/-ing; however starts a new sentence after a full stop or semicolon. All three show contrast, but the grammar after each is different — that’s the part learners mix up most.

Practice

  1. ___ the traffic, we arrived on time. (+ noun)
    Answer: Despite
  2. ___ he was tired, he kept working. (+ clause)
    Answer: Although
  3. It was expensive. ___ , we bought it. (new sentence)
    Answer: However
  4. ___ the bad weather, the match continued. (+ noun)
    Answer: Despite / In spite of
  5. ___ she studied hard, she failed the test. (+ clause)
    Answer: Although / Even though

Connect

Practise fixing mismatched linking words and grammar.

Try Error Correction →

CEFR: Writing — connect contrasting ideas clearly in a short text.

Azizul Hakim
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