Contrasting Ideas
There are a number of formulas used when contrasting ideas in English. Here are some of the most common:
- We'd love to stay for dinner, but we have got to get going.
- They decided to stay in the area, in spite of their problems with the local residents.
- Despite the difficulties of a long journey, Peter decided to visit India.
- Getting a good job is hard work, however, most people eventually find one with patience.
- There were a number of people who came, although the hotels were not equipped to handle them all.
After you study these constructions, take the contrasting ideas quiz to check your understanding.
| Formula | Example | Explanation |
|
main statement, but contrasting statement |
I'd really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight. |
Use a comma or semi colon (;) with 'but'. 'But' is the most common way to show contrasting ideas. |
|
main statement, in spite of contrasting statement OR in spite of contrasting statement, main statement |
They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain. OR In spite of the pouring rain, the continued on their journey. |
Use 'in spite of' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund |
|
main statement, despite contrasting statement OR Despite contrasting statement, main statement |
They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain. OR Despite the pouring rain, the continued on their journey. |
Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund |
|
main statement, however, contrasting statement OR main statement. However, contrasting statement |
She is a very intelligent girl, however, her tendency to not pay attention in class causes her problems. OR She is a very intelligent girl. However, her tendency to not pay attention in class causes her problems. |
Use 'however' preceded and followed by a comma (,). You can also contrast ideas in two sentences by beginning the contrasting sentence with 'However'. |
|
main statement, although contrasting statement OR Although contrasting statement, main statement |
We wanted to buy a sports car, although we knew that fast cars can be dangerous. OR Although we knew that fast cars can be dangerous, we wanted to buy a sports car. |
Use 'although' with a subject and a verb. |
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