Linking words for contrast

These words give our writing structure and help the reader to follow the argument. We use these linking words to show contrast: although even though while whereas but however despite in spite of on the one hand,………………(on the other hand)

although – joins two sentences with contrasting ideas. It can go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. (even though, while, whereas) even though is stronger than although / I didn’t buy the laptop, even though I had the money ready in my pocket. Although it was late Mary decided to phone her brother. I didn’t buy a skirt although it was beautiful.

If they are placed at the beginning of a sentence a comma is necessary. When these words are placed in the middle, the comma is optional. Belgrade is a noisy city. My home town is quite peaceful. >>> While Belgrade is a noisy city, my home town is quiet peaceful. >>> Belgrade is a noisy city whereas my home town is quiet peaceful.

but – is used in the middle of a sentence and it usually follows a comma. Sometimes it can be used at the beginning of a new sentence. Call me ​ old-fashioned, but I like ​ handwritten ​ letters. She's not a ​ painter but a ​ writer (= she is a ​ writer, not a ​ painter). She enjoys watching romantic movies. But don’t tell anyone.

however – starts a new sentence and contrasts it with the previous sentence and is usually followed by a comma. This is one ​ possible ​ solution to the ​ problem. However, there are ​ others.

despite/in spite of - without taking any ​ notice of or being ​ influenced by; not ​ prevented by. It can go at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. When used at the beginning of a sentence, a comma is used in order to separate the two parts of the sentence. Despite being given tickets to the football match, we decided to watch it on TV. He was very easy to talk to despite being a famous film star.

on the one hand...on the other hand - something that you say when you are speaking about two different facts or two opposite ways of thinking about a situation …….normally, start new sentences and can be used to balance two contrasting ideas or points of view. On the one hand, I'd like more money, but on the other hand, I'm not prepared to work the extra hours in order to get it. On the one hand, you complain that you're lonely, and on the other hand you won't come to parties with me.

on the other hand – can be used to introduce a contrasting idea even if you haven’t used on the hand Teenagers spend a lot of time playing video games. On the other hand, students are often too busy. on one/the one hand - as one point of view; from one standpoint. on the other hand - as another point of view; from another standpoint.