Linking Words of Contrast: Although, However, Despite and More
Contrast words show that two ideas are different or surprising together: It was raining, but we went out. The hard part is the grammar after each word, because although, despite and however all follow different rules.
By LearnLingo Team · Updated
Form
| Type | Words | What follows | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Joins two clauses (middle) | but, yet | a clause | The hotel was old, but it was very clean. |
| Joins two clauses (start or middle) | although, even though, though | a clause with subject and verb | Although the hotel was old, it was very clean. |
| Compares two facts | whereas, while | a clause | I like tea, whereas my wife prefers coffee. |
| Preposition | despite, in spite of | a noun, a pronoun or an -ing form | Despite its age, the hotel was very clean. |
| Preposition + clause | despite the fact that, in spite of the fact that | a clause | Despite the fact that it was old, the hotel was clean. |
| Links two sentences | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, even so | a new sentence or clause | The hotel was old. However, it was very clean. |
| Compares two sides | on the other hand, in contrast, by contrast | a new sentence or clause | City life is exciting. On the other hand, it is expensive. |
The key question is what comes next. A clause (subject + verb) needs a conjunction like although. A noun or -ing form needs a preposition like despite. A new sentence often starts with an adverb like however.
| Word | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| but | usually a comma before it in longer sentences | I called her, but she didn't answer. |
| although at the start | a comma after the first clause | Although I called her, she didn't answer. |
| although in the middle | usually no comma | She didn't answer although I called her twice. |
| however | a full stop or semicolon before it, a comma after it | I called her. However, she didn't answer. |
| however in the middle | commas on both sides | She didn't, however, answer. |
| despite at the start | a comma after the phrase | Despite my calls, she didn't answer. |
Don't join two full sentences with however and only a comma: I called her, however she didn't answer is a common error in writing. Use a full stop or a semicolon. Read more in the English punctuation guide on our blog.
| More informal | Neutral | More formal |
|---|---|---|
| but | although, even though | nevertheless, nonetheless |
| though (at the end) | however | in contrast |
| still, even so | despite, in spite of | by contrast, conversely |
But and yet
But is the simplest and most common contrast word. It joins two clauses in the middle of a sentence: I like the job, but the pay is low. In speech, we use but all the time. In writing, it is fine to use but, but avoid starting too many sentences with it in formal essays.
Yet works like but, but it adds a feeling of surprise. It is a little more formal and written: The plan was simple, yet it worked perfectly.
Be careful: yet also has another meaning in questions and negatives (Have you finished yet? I haven't finished yet). That yet means until now and is not a contrast word.
The flat is small, but it's in a great area.
He trained hard every day, yet he didn't win a single race.
I wanted to go, but I was too tired.
Although, even though and though
Although joins two clauses and shows that the second idea is surprising after the first. It can go at the start of the sentence or in the middle: Although it was cold, we swam. We swam although it was cold. When although starts the sentence, put a comma after the first clause.
Even though is stronger. It shows a bigger surprise: Even though she had a fever, she went to work. Though means the same as although but is more informal and common in speech.
Though can also go at the end of a sentence, where it means however: The film was long. It was good, though. This is very common in conversation, in both British and American English.
Never use although and but together in one sentence. Choose one: Although it was late, we stayed. It was late, but we stayed.
Although the test was hard, most students passed.
Even though I set two alarms, I overslept.
Even though shows a stronger surprise than although.
She still went running though it was raining.
Informal; although is more common in writing.
The food was expensive. It was delicious, though.
Though at the end means however.
Despite and in spite of
Despite and in spite of mean the same as although, but they are prepositions, so they are not followed by a clause. After them, use a noun, a pronoun or an -ing form: Despite the rain, In spite of feeling ill, Despite this.
If you want to use a full clause, add the fact that: Despite the fact that it rained, we had a great day.
The most common mistake is despite of. Despite never takes of, while in spite of always does. Learn them as fixed forms: despite + noun, in spite of + noun. For more on the -ing form after prepositions, see gerunds vs infinitives.
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
In spite of having a map, they got lost.
He got the job despite his lack of experience.
Despite the fact that she was nervous, she gave a great speech.
The fact that allows a full clause after despite.
However, nevertheless and even so
However links two separate sentences. It usually comes at the start of the second sentence, followed by a comma: The plan was good. However, it was too expensive. It can also come in the middle with commas on both sides (It was, however, too expensive) or at the end (It was too expensive, however).
Nevertheless and nonetheless are more formal. They mean even though this is true: The risks were high. Nevertheless, they decided to continue. They are common in essays, reports and formal emails.
Even so and still are more conversational: The hotel was expensive. Even so, it was worth it. It was raining. Still, we had fun.
Remember that however needs a strong break before it: a full stop or a semicolon, not just a comma. In emails at work, However is a polite way to introduce a problem; see business email phrases.
The course was useful. However, it was too short.
The weather was terrible; nevertheless, the match went ahead.
A semicolon before nevertheless joins the two sentences.
It's a long drive. Even so, I think we should go.
Prices are rising. Sales, however, remain strong.
Whereas, while and on the other hand
Use whereas and while to compare two facts that are different, without surprise: My brother loves football, whereas I prefer tennis. Whereas is more formal; while is common in both speech and writing. Both can start the sentence too: While some people like big cities, others prefer the countryside.
On the other hand compares two sides of the same question, often advantages and disadvantages. It usually starts a new sentence. You can introduce the first side with on the one hand, but it is not necessary.
Do not confuse it with on the contrary, which means the opposite is true. It rejects what was said before: The film wasn't boring. On the contrary, it was fascinating.
In contrast and by contrast are useful in formal writing and when describing data: Sales rose in spring. In contrast, they fell in autumn.
Some people work best in the morning, whereas others work best at night.
While I understand your point, I don't agree.
Renting is flexible. On the other hand, you never own anything.
I'm not angry with you. On the contrary, I'm grateful.
On the contrary rejects the first idea; it doesn't compare two sides.
In real life
In everyday conversation, people mostly use but, though and still. Sentences with nevertheless or whereas can sound too formal in a chat with friends. In writing, especially essays, exams and work emails, a mix of although, however, despite and whereas makes your English sound more advanced.
When you write, vary your contrast words instead of using but in every sentence. Try changing one sentence three ways: It was expensive, but I bought it. Although it was expensive, I bought it. Despite the price, I bought it. This is a great practice exercise for improving your writing.
For a full list of linking words for addition, result and order, see linking words in English and the basic conjunctions.
Nice place. A bit noisy, though.
I know it's late. Still, we should finish this tonight.
Even though we lost, it was a great game.
Common mistakes
Although it was raining, but we went out.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Although and but both show contrast, so one is enough. Use although or but, not both in the same sentence. Some languages do use two words here, so this mistake is common.
Despite of the rain, we played.
Despite the rain, we played.
Despite is never followed by of. If you want of, use in spite of: In spite of the rain, we played.
Despite it was cold, we swam.
Although it was cold, we swam.
Despite cannot be followed by a clause. Use although with a clause, or say Despite the cold or Despite the fact that it was cold.
The hotel was nice, however the food was bad.
The hotel was nice. However, the food was bad.
However links two sentences, so it needs a full stop or semicolon before it and a comma after it, not just a comma.
I like summer, on the contrary my sister likes winter.
I like summer. On the other hand, my sister likes winter.
On the other hand compares two different facts. On the contrary says that the previous statement is wrong. Whereas also works here: I like summer, whereas my sister likes winter.
Practice quiz
10 questions. Pick an answer to see if it is right and why.
1. ___ the bad weather, the flight left on time.
2. ___ she was tired, she finished the report.
3. Choose the correct sentence.
4. In spite ___ feeling ill, he went to work.
5. My sister is very outgoing, ___ I'm quite shy.
6. What does The film was long. It was good, though mean?
7. Choose the correct sentence.
8. I'm not bored. ___, I'm having a great time.
9. ___ I had a ticket, they didn't let me in.
10. Which word is the most formal?
0 of 10 answered
Show all answers
- Despite
- Although
- The car is old. However, it runs well.
- of
- whereas
- The film was long, but it was good.
- Despite the fact that it was expensive, I bought it.
- On the contrary
- Even though
- nevertheless
See what the B1 English course covers, or test your level first.
People also ask
What is the difference between although and despite?+
They have the same meaning, but different grammar. Although is followed by a clause with a subject and verb (although it rained), and despite is followed by a noun or -ing form (despite the rain, despite feeling tired).
Can I start a sentence with but?+
Yes, in speech and in informal or neutral writing it is common and correct. In formal essays, many teachers prefer however at the start of a sentence, so use but in the middle there.
Is it despite or despite of?+
Always despite, with no of. The phrase with of is in spite of. Both mean the same thing.
What punctuation do I use with however?+
When however joins two ideas, put a full stop or a semicolon before it and a comma after it: It was late. However, we stayed. In the middle of a sentence, put commas on both sides: We stayed, however, until midnight.
What is the difference between on the other hand and on the contrary?+
On the other hand gives a second, different point of view, often a disadvantage after an advantage. On the contrary says that what was just said is not true, and the opposite is true.
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