How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast

How to Use Sentence Connectors to Show Contrast Once you have mastered the basics of correct usage in written English, you will want to express yourself in increasingly complex ways. One of the best ways to improve your writing style is to use sentence connectors. Sentence connectors are used to express relationships between ideas and to combine sentences. The use of these connectors will add sophistication to your writing style. After you study these constructions, take the  contrasting ideas quiz  to check your understanding. Common Connectors for Contrast Type of Connector Connector(s) Examples Coordinating conjunction but High level positions are stressful at times, but the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed. Subordinating conjunctions whereas, while While high level positions are stressful at times, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed. Conjunctive adverbs in contrast, on the other hand High level positions are stressful at times; on the other hand, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed. Prepositions unlike Unlike the undesirable stress of high level positions, the financial rewards make these positions very desirable indeed. Common Constructions for Contrast Formula Example Explanation the main statement, but contrasting statement Id really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight. Use a comma or semicolon (;) with but. But is the most common way to show contrasting ideas. the main statement, in spite of contrasting statement OR in spite of contrasting statement, main statement They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain. Use in spite of plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund the main statement, despite contrasting statement OR Despite the contrasting statement, main statement They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain. Use despite plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund the main statement, although contrasting statement OR Although contrasting statement, main statement We wanted to buy a sports car, although we knew that fast cars can be dangerous. Use although with a subject and a verb. Learn More About Sentence Connectors Sentence Connectors: AdditionSentence Connectors: OppositionSentence Connectors: Cause / EffectSentence Connectors: Comparison