As their name itself suggests sentence connectors are used to combine sentences. They also express the relationship between ideas. We can add variety and sophistication to our writing by using appropriate sentence connectors.
In this lesson we will learn about sentence connectors that join two contrasting ideas.
To show the contrast between two ideas we can use the following sentence connectors.
But, although, despite the fact that, however, nevertheless, despite, in spite of, yet
His rope was thin but it was strong.
He is fat but he runs fast.
Although the boy was injured, he didn’t give up.
Nevertheless is very formal. In a less formal style, we can use conjunctions like but or yet.
Nevertheless and however don’t combine two clauses. They are used to emphasize the fact that the point expressed by the second clause contrasts with the first. In writing, they are separated from the rest of the sentence by a comma.
He says that he is a socialist. However, he owns three houses and four luxury cars.
There was little chance of success. Nevertheless, we didn’t give up.
We went out in spite of the rain.
In spite of having a headache, I enjoyed the film.
Despite working hard, she failed the exam.
Grammar notes
In spite of is written as three words. It is the opposite of because of.
She got good marks in spite of her teacher. (= She had a bad teacher.)
She got good marks because of her teacher. (= She had a good teacher.)