Contrast Linking Words
Grammar Summary
| Linking Word(s) | Rule | Example |
| However | Always followed by a comma. Usually comes at the beginning of a sentence. | However, he didn't come. |
| Although / Though / Even though | Always followed by a subject + verb (a clause). There is NO comma immediately after them. | Although it was raining, we went out. |
| Despite / In spite of | Followed by a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form. NEVER put a subject + verb directly after them. | Despite the rain, we went out.
Despite feeling ill, he worked. |
| Nevertheless | A more formal synonym for however (means "anyway" or "even so"). Also usually followed by a comma. | It was difficult. Nevertheless, we finished it. |
| Yet | Means "but". Usually stands in the middle of a sentence to join two ideas. | It was late, yet he continued working. |
Exercise 1: Grouping by Punctuation
Does the linking word require a comma immediately after it? Match the rule to the word.
However
Although
Nevertheless
Despite
Even though
Exercise 2: Grouping by Grammar Structure
What must come immediately after these linking words?
Despite
Although
In spite of
Even though
Though
Exercise 3: Choose the correct linking word
Select the best word to complete the sentence based on the grammar rules.
1. the bad weather, we enjoyed our holiday in Spain.
2. I was very tired. , I finished my homework.
3. feeling ill, Sarah went to the office today.
4. The underground was crowded, we found a seat.
5. he studied hard, he didn't pass his maths exam.
6. The hotel is very expensive. , it is always full.
7. We decided to walk the heavy snow.
8. It's a nice flat. It's a bit small, .
9. she had a map, she got lost in London.
10. He claims to be a vegetarian, he eats fish.
Exercise 4: Although vs. Despite
Choose between Although (needs subject+verb) and Despite (needs noun/-ing).
1. the awful traffic, we arrived at the cinema on time.
2. we left early, we still missed the train.
3. having no money, he decided to buy a new jumper.
4. We enjoyed the football match the cold wind.
5. the film was long, it wasn't boring.
6. I didn't get the job I had a great interview.
7. his young age, he plays the piano brilliantly.
8. the restaurant is cheap, the food is amazing.
9. earning a good salary, she doesn't save any money.
10. They went swimming the water was freezing.
Exercise 5: Punctuation focus (However vs. Even though)
Look at the punctuation (commas and full stops) to choose the correct word.
1. The museum is fantastic. , it is very crowded at weekends.
2. the museum is fantastic, it is very crowded at weekends.
3. I woke up late. , I managed to catch the bus.
4. I woke up late, I managed to catch the bus.
5. The book is brilliant. , the film adaptation is terrible.
6. the book is brilliant, the film adaptation is terrible.
7. He is a talented actor. , he hasn't won any awards.
8. he is a talented actor, he hasn't won any awards.
9. Travelling by plane is fast. , it is bad for the environment.
10. travelling by plane is fast, it is bad for the environment.
Exercise 6: Yet, However or Nevertheless?
Choose the best option to complete the sentences.
1. It was raining heavily, we decided to go for a walk.
2. The car is very old. , it runs perfectly.
3. She is very busy with university, she always finds time for her friends.
4. Mobile phones are extremely useful. , they can be a big distraction.
5. I don't like vegetables very much, I eat broccoli for my health.
6. The instructions for the wardrobe were complicated. , we managed to build it.
7. The house is quite small, it is beautifully decorated.
8. He has failed his driving test three times. , he refuses to give up.
9. The programme was broadcast late at night, millions of people watched it.
10. The team played terribly in the first half. , they won the match in the end.
Exercise 7: Mixed Practice
Select the correct linking word for each sentence.
1. the loud noise, the baby kept sleeping.
2. I usually like tea. , I prefer coffee in the morning.
3. She didn't get the job, she had the best qualifications.
4. The shoes were really expensive, I bought them anyway.
5. We went to the beach the fact that it was cloudy.
6. he is very shy, he gave a fantastic speech.
7. He went to school having a bad cold.
8. The underground is fast. , it gets very hot in summer.
9. I really enjoyed the party. The music was a bit too loud, .
10. I was absolutely exhausted, I finished the project.
Exercise 8: Find the correct sentence
Choose the sentence in each pair that is grammatically correct.