READING & WRITING 3

4.2 Grammar Skill:

Subordinators and transitions to compare and
contrast
 Objectives
In this lesson we will focus on how to use subordinators and transitions to compare and
contrast things.
 Subordinators and transitions

Subordinators Transitions
Similarly
Although Likewise
Though In addition
Even though
However
On the other hand
In contrast
Whereas Nevertheless
While Nonetheless
In spite of this
Despite this
 Subordinators showing contrast
You can use some adverb clauses to show an idea that contrasts with the
main clause. Notice the comma when the adverb clause comes first.
 Transitions showing comparisons
You can use some transition words such as similarly, likewise, in addition to
show comparisons.
 Transitions showing comparisons
You can use some transition words to show contrasts or differences.

Examples:
 Exercise 1
Read each sentence. Underline the word and phrase that indicates a
comparison or a contrast. Then write CP (comparison) or CT (contrast).
1. _____ Although some calligraphers use this craft as their job, others use it
just for enjoyment.
2. _____. Writing well takes practice. Similarly, doing well at any activity takes
commitment and training.
3. _____ There are professionals in many activities. Nonetheless, amateurs can
also benefit from trying their hands at different hobbies.
4. _____Whereas some hobbies require a lot of time to learn, others can be
learned easily.
5. _____ Hobbies can help us relax. Likewise, they can help us enjoy time with
others.
 Exercise 1 - Answer
Read each sentence. Underline the word and phrase that indicates a
comparison or a contrast. Then write CP (comparison) or CT (contrast).
1. __CT___ Although some calligraphers use this craft as their job, others use it
just for enjoyment.
2. __CP__ Writing well takes practice. Similarly, doing well at any activity takes
commitment and training.
3. __CT__There are professionals in many activities. Nonetheless, amateurs
can also benefit from trying their hands at different hobbies.
4. __CT__ Whereas some hobbies require a lot of time to learn, others can be
learned easily.
5. __CP__ Hobbies can help us relax. Likewise, they can help us enjoy time
with others.
 Exercise 2

Circle the best phrase to complete each sentence.

1. John likes to use his hands to make things while Robert (prefers to play
sports / makes things by hand, too).
2. John put together his own computer. Similarly, his brother (would rather go
fishing / built a computer, too).
3. Robert likes to go fishing and camping. Though he enjoys both, he (likes
camping better / likes them both equally).
4. Robert hopes to spend his weekend on the beach. John, too, plans to (study
in the library / go to the beach).
5. Robert and John spend a lot of time studying. Nonetheless, they find they
(need to study / appreciate having time to relax).
6. Although Robert wants to sleep in a tent, John will (sleep outside / sleep in a
tent, too).
 Exercise 2 - Answer
1. John likes to use his hands to make things while Robert (prefers to play
sports / makes things by hand, too).
2. John put together his own computer. Similarly, his brother (would rather
go fishing / built a computer, too).
3. Robert likes to go fishing and camping. Though he enjoys both, he (likes
camping better / likes them both equally).
4. Robert hopes to spend his weekend on the beach. John, too, plans to
(study in the library / go to the beach).
5. Robert and John spend a lot of time studying. Nonetheless, they find they
(need to study / appreciate having time to relax).
6. Although Robert wants to sleep in a tent, John will (sleep outside / sleep
in a tent, too).
 Exercise 3
Complete these sentences using your own ideas. Make sure you use
correct punctuation.
1. I don't enjoy fishing very much. Nevertheless, I enjoy cooking and eating the
fish.
2. Although many people enjoy fishing ________________________________.
3. Not many people become professional athletes. Likewise
________________________________.
4. Professional soccer players often have rigorous training. On the other hand
________________________________.
5. I like both soccer and handball. However ________________________________.
6. Whereas some athletes end their careers early ________________________________.
7. Athletes need ambition to succeed. Similarly ________________________________.
 Exercise 3 – Suggested answer
1. I don't enjoy fishing very much. Nevertheless . I enjoy cooking and eating the
fish.
2. Although many people enjoy fishing, I enjoy cooking and eating the fish.

3. Not many people become professional athletes. Likewise, I find it boring.

4. Professional soccer players often have rigorous training. On the other hand,
they are also paid well.
5. I like both soccer and handball. However, hockey is my favourite sport.
6. Whereas some athletes end their careers early, I plan on working until my
old age.
7. Athletes need ambition to succeed. Similarly, students need ambition to
learn English grammar.
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. . . subordinators and transitions to
compare and contrast.