Clauses of Contrast
_____________ the school had invested a considerable amount of money in improving its facilities, many students still complained that the classrooms were uncomfortable and lacked adequate equipment.
Although/Even though
Although the weather was terrible but, we decided to continue the trip. (True/False; if false, correct the sentence.)
Although the weather was terrible, we decided to continue the trip.
Despite it was raining heavily, the students continued playing football. (True/False; if false, correct the error.)
Despite the heavy rain, the students continued playing football. (+ noun phrase)
Despite the fact that it was raining heavily, the students continued playing football. (despite + the fact that + clause)
Despite raining heavily, the students continued playing football. (less natural)
Althouhg/Eventhough it was raining heavily, the students continued playing football.
When the researchers first began the experiment, they believed that the new treatment __________ the recovery time of patients significantly. (reduce)
When the researchers first began the experiment, they believed that the new treatment would reduce the recovery time of patients significantly.
Describes something that was expected, predicted, promised, or believed to happen in the future from a past point of view.
Would + base verb
________ the significant improvements that had been made to the school’s learning environment, some students felt that more attention should be given to extracurricular activities.
Despite / In spite of + noun
The task was difficult, nevertheless, everyone completed it. (True/False; if false, correct the sentence.)
The task was difficult; nevertheless, everyone completed it.
The task was difficult. Nevertheless, everyone completed it.
She was feeling exhausted. She continued working on the project. (Combine using in spite of)
→ In spite of feeling exhausted, she continued working on the project.
→ In spite of her exhaustion, she continued working on the project.
→ In spite of the fact that she was feeling exhausted, she continued working on the project.
The chef __________ the final dish to the customers when he noticed that one of the ingredients had been accidentally left out. (serve)
The chef was about to serve the final dish to the customers when he noticed that one of the ingredients had been accidentally left out.
Describes an action that was officially scheduled, arranged, or expected to happen later.
was / were to + base verb
____________ studying hard throughout the semester and completing all the assignments on time, several students found the final examination considerably more difficult than they had expected.
despite / in spite of + -ing
Which contrast marker uses this pattern?
subject + verb + (contrast marker) subject + verb
(contrast marker) subject + verb + comma + subject + verb
Although / Even though
The restaurant received many negative reviews. It was still fully booked. (however)
The restaurant received many negative reviews. However, it was still fully booked.
The restaurant received many negative reviews; however, it was still fully booked.
According to the original programme, the president __________ the newly constructed school on Monday morning before meeting with local officials in the afternoon. (visit)
According to the original programme, the president was to visit the newly constructed school on Monday morning before meeting with local officials in the afternoon.
When the project was first announced, the researchers believed that the new technology would improve the quality of healthcare services and make medical treatment more accessible to people living in remote areas. (What does the use of the future in the past indicate?)
Future Expectation / Prediction from the Past
The company faced serious financial problems. It continued to expand its business. (nonetheless)
The company faced serious financial problems. Nonetheless, it continued to expand its business. (more common)
The company faced serious financial problems; nonetheless, it continued to expand its business.
Which contrast marker/s use this pattern?
(CM) + noun / -ing + comma) + verb
(CM) + the fact that + subject + verb
in spite of / despite
The school had limited financial resources. It managed to provide students with several new learning facilities. (even though; give two possible structures)
Even though the school had limited financial resources, it managed to provide students with several new learning facilities.
The school managed to provide students with several new learning facilities even though the school had limited financial resources.
1. When I spoke to James last Friday, he told me that he __________ his old laptop and buy a newer one because it was becoming too slow for his work. (replace)
2. Maria had already packed her suitcase and said goodbye to her colleagues because she __________ abroad for several months to complete an important research project.
(work)
1. When I spoke with James last Friday, he told me that he was going to replace his old laptop and buy a newer one because it was becoming too slow for his work.
2. Maria had already packed her suitcase and said goodbye to her colleagues because she was working abroad for several months to complete an important research project.
James had already saved enough money and had discussed his plans with his family because he was going to travel around Europe after finishing his university examinations. (What does the use of the future in the past indicate?)
Past Plan / Intention
The new transportation system was expected to reduce traffic congestion. Many residents continued to use their private cars. (however) (give two possible structures)
The new transportation system was expected to reduce traffic congestion. However, many residents continued to use their private cars.
The new transportation system was expected to reduce traffic congestion; however, many residents continued to use their private cars.
Which contrast marker/s use this pattern?
(;) / (.) + (contrast marker) + comma + subject verb
However / Nevertheless / Nonetheless
The government had introduced several measures to reduce plastic waste. The amount of plastic being thrown away continued to increase. (despite)
Despite the government's introduction of several measures to reduce plastic waste, the amount of plastic being thrown away continued to increase.
Despite introducing several measures to reduce plastic waste, the government could not prevent the amount of plastic being thrown away from increasing.
1. The journalist __________ the interview when the electricity suddenly went out, forcing everyone to wait in the dark for several minutes. (begin)
2. According to the original programme, the president __________ the newly constructed school on Monday morning before meeting with local officials in the afternoon. (visit)
3. At the beginning of the year, the school administration expected that the number of students joining the new programme __________ considerably after it was advertised to parents. (increase)
1.was about to begin
2. was to visit
3. would increase
1. The manager was about to announce the winner of the competition when one of the judges noticed an error in the final scores and asked everyone to wait.
2. Nobody realised at the time that the small local business would eventually become one of the most successful companies in the region after expanding its operations internationally.
1. Something Was Going to Happen Very Soon/on the verge of happening
2. prediction from the past