Conjunctions

But/however, though/although, despite/in spite

of
Conjunctions are used to add ideas, join sentences,
show contrast, give examples, etc.
- Contrast= but, however, though

I like oranges but I don't like pears.

I like oranges, however, I don’t like pears.

I like oranges. I don’t like pears though. (used in the end of the sentences)

But, however (colloquial)

though (more formal)

Exercises
Join the sentences using: and, but, however, though.

1- Taipei is very nice. Everyone is extremely friendly.

2- The streets are crowded. It's easy to get around.

3- the weather is nice. Summers get pretty hot.

4- Shopping is great. You have to bargain in the markets.

5- The food is delicious. It’s not too expensive.

6- It´s an amazing city. I love to go there.

 despite , in spite of
They are all used to link two contrasting ideas or show that one fact makes the other fact surprising.
They can all be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

Despite the rain, we enjoyed the festival.

We enjoyed the festival, despite the rain.

After, despite or in spite of we use a noun, gerund.

Despite her success, she kept being humble.(noun)

Despite/in spite of working hard, they never achieve anything. (gerund)

although, even though
These conjunctions are also used to show contrast, but using a different structure.

After although/even though we use a subject and a verb:

Although It was raining, we went out to exercise. (subject and verb)

Even though they graduated, they continued pursuing another degree. (sub.verb)

(even though is more emphatic)

Exercises
Exercises

Choose the right answer:

1. ( Although In spite of ) she is beautiful, everybody hates her.

2. The children slept deeply ( although in spite of ) the noise.
3. (Although In spite of ) earning a low salary, Sara helped her parents
4. Jane rarely sees Alan ( although in spite of ) they are neighbors.
5. Kate did not do well in the exam (although in spite of ) working very hard.
6. (Although In spite of ) I was very hungry, I couldn't eat.
7. (Although In spite of) the difficulty, they managed to solve the math problem.
8. Liza never talked to him (although in spite of) she loved him.
9. (Although In spite of) it was cold, Marie didn't put on her coat.
10. Clare did the work (although in spite of) being sick.
Opposing ideas; giving examples
On the other hand expresses the other side of an opinion or argument.

Working online is very convenient, on the other hand, it’s very demanding

To give examples use: For example, for instance.

Now, give your opinion on these topics: women are better drivers, men are better
managers, women are better parents.