Linking words & phrases

Linking words & phrases

Fifth Grade Intermediate Compact Unit 3

We use in spite of, despite, although, even though, but, however and while to contrast two ideas or events.

Despite & in spite of are prepositions; they are followed by -ing, a noun or by the fact that + subject + verb:

• The singer finished the show despite having a sore throat

• They continued filming despite the bad weather.

• The concert was a success in spite of the fact that the guitarist was new.

Although and even though are conjunctions; they are followed by a noun/pronoun and a verb:

• They continued filming although/even though the weather was bad.
• She never sings her own songs although/even though she's written a lot.

But and however have the same meaning. But joins two halves of a sentence. However contrasts two separate sentences and is more formal than but:

• He is really a good actor but I didn't enjoy his latest film.
• He is really a good actor. However, I didn't enjoy his latest film.
• He is really a good actor. I didn't, however, enjoy his latest film.

While can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence:

• While I know he's a very good writer, I still don't like his books.
• Annie has dark hair and eyes while her brother has fair hair and blue eyes.

Thanks!