Linking words: contrast

IN SPITE OF / DESPITE
. In spite of is more common in speaking.
They go at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence
In spite of/ Despite having little money, we were happy. (notice the comma)
We were happy in spite of/despite having little money.
.They are followed by -ing or noun
He continued to work in spite of/ despite being ill.
He continued to work in spite of / despite his illness.
.They are often followed by the fact that + clause
I got the part in spite of the fact that I had no experience.

BUT / YET / ALTHOUGH / THOUGH

. Though and although are slightly stronger than but. Though is weaker than although, and more common in
speaking.
.But always goes in the middle of the sentence. It could be emphasized by expressions such as still, anyway and
all the same.
She is not a good actress but I like her.
She is not a good actress but I still like her.
She is not a good actress but I like her anyway/all the same

Yet can be used instead of but in formal speech or writng

Maria felt ill, yet she went to school

.Although and though can go in the middle or at the beginning of the sentence.
I like making films though / although I’m really a stage actor.
Although / Though I’m really a stage actor, I like making films .(notice the comma)
.We sometimes use though at the end of a sentence
I like making films. I’m really a stage actor, though.
EVEN THOUGH / EVEN IF
These words emphasize a contrast, so they are stronger than although
.We use even though when we are certain about something
She was given the part even though she had no experience.
.We use even if when we are not certain about the facts
I support my team even if they don’t win the cup. (they might not win)

WHILE / WHEREAS
.They can be often be used in formal speech and writing instead of although. There is usually a kind of
comparison between the two clauses.
.They go at the beginning or at the end if a sentence.
While/Whereas some experts expect the government to win the election, most believe that the opposition will
win.
Some experts expect the government to win the elections while/whereas most believe…..

HOWEVER / NEVERTHELESS/ON THE OTHER HAND/ EVEN SO

. These words are used to contrast a previous idea. They are always followed by a comma
.Tourism would benefit the country. However, it would change the local way of life.
.Tourism would benefit the country. It would change the local way of life, however. (less frequent position)

Tourism would benefit the country financially. On the other hand, it would change the local way of life.
The temperature yesterday was below zero. Nevertheless / Even so, twenty people swam in the icy water for
half an hour.