How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast

By
Kenneth Beare
Kenneth Beare
English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert
  • TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London
  • M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music
  • B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music
Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience.
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Updated on January 27, 2019

Once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written English, you will want to express yourself in increasingly complex ways. One of the best ways to improve your writing style is to use sentence connectors. Sentence connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and to combine sentences. The use of these connectors will add sophistication to your writing style.

After you study these constructions, take the contrasting ideas quiz to check your understanding.

Common Connectors for Contrast

Type of Connector Connector(s) Examples
Coordinating conjunction but High level positions are stressful at times, but the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed.
Subordinating conjunctions whereas, while While high level positions are stressful at times, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed.
Conjunctive adverbs in contrast, on the other hand High level positions are stressful at times; on the other hand, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed.
Prepositions unlike Unlike the undesirable stress of high level positions, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed.

Common Constructions for Contrast

Formula Example Explanation
the main statement, but contrasting statement I'd really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight. Use a comma or semicolon (;) with 'but'. 'But' is the most common way to show contrasting ideas.
the 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. Use 'in spite of' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund
the main statement, despite contrasting statement OR Despite the contrasting statement, main statement They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain. Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund
the 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. Use 'although' with a subject and a verb.

Learn More About Sentence Connectors

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Your Citation
Beare, Kenneth. "How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast." ThoughtCo, Jan. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/sentence-connectors-showing-contrast-1212357. Beare, Kenneth. (2020, January 29). How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/sentence-connectors-showing-contrast-1212357 Beare, Kenneth. "How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/sentence-connectors-showing-contrast-1212357 (accessed April 19, 2024).