Connectors of Addition and Contrast
CONNECTORS OF ADDITION: in addition, additionally, furthermore,
moreover (TODOS: ADEMÁS), as well as (ADEMÁS DE), also, and,
likewise
CONNECTORS OF CONTRAST: however (SIN EMBARGO),
nevertheless/even so (AÚN ASÍ), on the one hand / on the other hand, in
spite of / despite (A PESAR DE), instead / instead of (EN LUGAR DE),
although /even though (AUNQUE), whereas (MIENTRAS QUE) but
Read the pairs of sentences below. Which pair expresses similar ideas? Which
pair expresses contrasting ideas? Use the chart to help you.
a) Their team has got the best players. ……………, their coach is fantastic.
(similar)
b) Their team has got the best players. ……………., they lost the last game.
(contrast)
Addition and contrasting connectors have similar meanings but are followed by
different structures.
Despite / in spite of / instead of are followed by a noun phrase, pronoun or
a gerund (ing).
- We did not wear coats despite the cold weather.
- I tried to look happy in spite of feeling terrible.
- Instead of going to the party, they decided to stay at home.
- I tried to look happy in spite of feeling terrible.
Addition connector as well as is also followed by a noun phrase,
pronoun, or gerund.
- We ate pasta as well as bread.
- As well as passing his exams, he passed his driving licence test.
Contrasting connectors even though and although are followed by a
clause (sb + vb). Whereas is also followed by a clause.
- My car constantly needs repairs even though it’s new.
- My cousin and I aren’t very close, although we’re the same age.
- I always arrived late, whereas my students are usually very punctual.
Choose the correct connector.
1. We're studying now even though/despite there's an interesting film on TV.
2. I’d like to talk to you although/in spite of I know you’re busy.
3. Despite/Although her efforts, she failed the exam.
4. Even though/In spite of we were having difficulties, we felt optimistic.
5. We didn’t win the game although/despite all our hard work.
Connectors are usually written in specific places in a sentence:
At the beginning of a sentence: in addition, furthermore, moreover,
however, nevertheless, on the one hand, on the other hand, instead. In this
case, they are usually followed by a coma and a clause.
Either at the beginning or in the middle: despite, in spite of, although,
even though, instead of.
Only in the middle of a sentence: and, but, also, as well as.
Choose the correct connector.
a. Lorena seems to be quite clever. NEVERTHELESS/ FURTHERMORE
she often gets low marks.
b. The service at this restaurant is excellent. HOWEVER/IN ADDITION,
the food is delicious.
c. I've never been to Argentina, AS WELL AS/DESPITE having relatives
there.
d. Jordi is a careful driver. MOREOVER/HOWEVER, he’s had
several accidents.
e. Cristina loves playing sport, AND/BUT she’s not very good at it.
f. Anna is talented at music AS WELL AS/IN SPITE OF art.
Other common connectors: therefore (por tanto), consequently, as a result. These
are usually followed by a clause.
- I arrived late. Therefore/Consequently/As a result, I missed my flight.
