Linking words: although, despite, however, whereas
Linking words show how ideas relate: contrast, concession, cause or result. Many of them mean nearly the same thing but need different grammar after them, which is where most mistakes happen.
The lessons start with contrast at B2 and move to the connectors of formal writing at C1.
The essentials
- Although and even though are followed by a clause: Although it was raining, we went out.
- Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or -ing: Despite the rain, we went out.
- However starts a new sentence or clause, with a comma: It was raining. However, we went out.
- Whereas compares two facts: I love coffee, whereas my sister prefers tea.
- For cause and result in formal writing: owing to, given that, consequently, hence.
Every lesson on this topic
Each lesson has a full explanation, examples, common mistakes and practice questions.
B2 (English at B2)
- although, despite, however, whereas: linking an argument: Show contrast precisely, with the right grammar after each linking word
C1 (English at C1)
- Much as I like the idea…: concession and contrast: Admit a point and make yours: although, despite, whereas, albeit, nevertheless, even if
- Owing to the delay…: cause and result in formal writing: Explain causes and results: owing to, given that, consequently, hence, thereby
Other topics
- Present perfect or past simple?
- Talking about the past: English past tenses
- English conditionals: first, second, third and mixed
- English modal verbs: must, have to, should and more
- Talking about the future in English
- The passive in English
- Reported speech and reporting verbs
- Relative clauses: who, which, that, whose
- -ing or to? Verb patterns in English
- Formal, professional and academic English
- Emphasis in English: inversion and cleft sentences