CONNECTORS: SHOWING OPPOSITION

ALTHOUGH HOWEVER/NEVERTHELESS IN SPITE OF DESPITE

(Although + Subject + verb)

Although John had a terrible cold, he didn’t miss a single lesson.
John didn’t miss a single lesson although he had a terrible cold.

(In spite of / Despite + Noun or noun phrase or verb+ing)

In spite of having a terrible cold, John didn’t miss a single lesson.
Despite his terrible cold, John didn’t miss a single lesson.

John had a terrible cold. However/Nevertheless, he didn’t miss a single lesson.

(However and nevertheless are always between full stop and comma or semi colon and comma)

TRANSFORM THE SENTENCES BELOW USING THE WORDS IN BRACKETS:

1.- It rained yesterday, but they played the football match. (despite)
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2.- Susan often plays tennis, but she never wants to play with me. (in spite of)
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3.- Filter coffee tastes much better, but instant coffee is more convenient. (however)
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4.- I have help at home but I’m still overworked. (although)

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5.- Judy is interested in modern pop music, but sometimes she listens to classical music. (however)
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6.- Mick believes that exams are a matter of luck but he admits he has to do them. (however)
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7.- Harry is top of the class, but he’s not very popular at school. (although)
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8.- Mick read the book for the exam, but he failed the test. (in spite of)
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9.- John lost the match, but he played well. (in spite of)
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10.- Sally admired Robert, but she was too shy to talk to him. (however)
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11.- Joan doesn’t like Tom at all. But she admits he’s a better student than the rest. (although)
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12.- Imagination is essential to a writer, but he needs to master a technique as well. (although)
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13.- Examinations are a nuisance for students, but they provide teachers with valuable information. (however)
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14.- Many people have complained about the refuse collection system. But the Council won’t consider changing it. (despite)
_______________________________________________________________________________________

15.- People know a seat belt may save their lives, but many of them don’t wear it. (in spite of)
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16.- I like to ask him for advice, but most of the times I don’t follow it. (however)
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17.- Stan is prejudiced against pop singers, but he realises that most people like them. (despite)
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18.- They had had a bitter argument a few years before, but she invited him to her wedding. (despite)
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There are more options. These are just some examples:

1. Despite the rain, they played the match yesterday

2. In spite of often playing tennis, Susan never wants to play with me
3. Instant coffee is more convenient. However, filter coffee tastes better.
4. Although I have help at home, I’m still overworked
5. Judy is interested in modern pop music. However, she sometimes listens to classical
music.
6. Mick believes exams are a matter of luck; however, he admits he has to do them.
7. Although Harry is top of the class, he’s not very popular at school.
8. In spite of reading/having read the book for the exam, he failed the test.
9. In spite of playing/having played well, John lost the match.
10. Sally admired Robert. However, she was too shy to talk to him.
11. Although Joan doesn’t like Tom, she admits he’s a better student than the rest.
12. Although imagination is essential to a writer, he needs to master a technique as well.
13. Examinations are a nuisance for students. However, they provide teachers with valuable
information.
14. Despite many people’s complaints about the refuse collection system, the Council won’t
consider changing it.
15. Many people don’t wear a seatbelt in spite of knowing it can save their lives.
16. I like to ask him for advice; however, most of the times I don’t follow it.
17. Despite John’s prejudice against pop singers, he realises most people like them.
18. Despite their bitter argument a few years before, she invited him to her wedding.