Contrast Connectors Exercises
Do more with this exercise
Choose a connector that fits what follows
In the full-clause pattern taught here, although introduces a subject and verb. Despite introduces a noun or an -ing form. However connects separate statements. English also allows reduced although clauses in some contexts.
- Although + clause:
- Although it was raining, we went out. In this standard pattern, the words after although include a subject and verb.
- Despite + noun:
- Despite the rain, we went out. A noun phrase follows despite.
- Despite + -ing:
- Despite feeling tired, she finished the race. An -ing phrase can follow despite.
- However + sentence:
- It was raining. However, we went out. However introduces a contrasting statement here.
- Do not add of:
- Use despite the rain, not despite of the rain. In spite of is another correct expression, but it has three words.
Examples
Although it was late, we stayed to help.
a full clause follows although
Despite the delay, the train arrived before noon.
a noun phrase follows despite
Despite feeling nervous, Ella gave the speech.
an -ing phrase follows despite
The task was difficult. However, we finished it.
a contrasting second statement
Although he studied hard, he did not pass.
the clause has a subject and verb
Audio uses a synthetic voice.
Practice exercises
Choose the connector
Choose the connector that fits the grammar and punctuation of the sentence.
1.___ it was raining, we walked to school.
2.___ the rain, we walked to school.
3.The train was late. ___, we arrived on time.
4.___ her tiredness, she kept working.
5.___ he was nervous, he spoke clearly.
6.The room was small. ___, everyone found a seat.
Complete the contrast
Write although, despite or however. Use the clause, noun phrase or punctuation as your clue.
Fix the connector
Replace the incorrect connector with the one that fits the following words. Keep the rest of the sentence.
13.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
14.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
15.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
16.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
17.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
18.Choose the mistake in this sentence.
Match the connector to the words after it
Contrast connectors join ideas that are surprising together. In the full-clause pattern used here, although introduces a subject and verb: “Although it was cold, we went out.” Despite introduces a noun phrase or an -ing phrase: “Despite the cold, we went out” and “Despite feeling cold, we went out.” English also permits reduced clauses such as “Although tired, she continued”; this page practises the full-clause contrast.
However works differently in the pattern taught here. It starts a new contrasting statement after a full stop and takes a comma: “It was cold. However, we went out.” Do not use it as a direct replacement for although at the start of a dependent clause. Also remember that despite never needs of. If you want that longer expression, use in spite of.
To choose quickly, look at the words immediately after the gap. A subject and verb point to although. A noun or an -ing form points to despite. A new sentence with a following comma points to however. Then read both ideas to make sure they really contrast.
Frequently asked questions
What is the difference between although and despite?
In the main pattern taught here, although takes a full clause with a subject and verb; despite takes a noun phrase or an -ing phrase. Reduced although clauses also exist, but they are outside these exercises.
Can I say despite of?
No. Say “despite the rain” or “in spite of the rain.” Despite does not take of.
How do I punctuate however?
When it begins a new contrasting sentence, put a comma after it: “It was late. However, we stayed.”
Can despite be followed by a verb?
It can be followed by an -ing phrase: “Despite feeling tired, she continued.” It cannot be followed directly by a full clause in this pattern.
Answer key
1. ___ it was raining, we walked to school.
Answer: Although
It was raining is a clause, so use although.
2. ___ the rain, we walked to school.
Answer: Despite
The rain is a noun phrase, so use despite.
3. The train was late. ___, we arrived on time.
Answer: However
However introduces the contrasting second sentence.
4. ___ her tiredness, she kept working.
Answer: Despite
A noun phrase follows despite.
5. ___ he was nervous, he spoke clearly.
Answer: Although
A full clause follows although.
6. The room was small. ___, everyone found a seat.
Answer: However
Two separate statements can be linked with however and a comma.
7. ___ she was tired, she finished the report.
Answer: although
She was tired has a subject and verb, so use although.
8. ___ the noise, I slept well.
Answer: despite
The noise is a noun phrase, so use despite.
9. The road was closed. ___, we found another route.
Answer: however
Use however followed by a comma in the second sentence.
10. ___ the long day at work, he still had energy.
Answer: despite
A noun phrase follows despite.
11. ___ the shop was busy, the service was quick.
Answer: although
Use although before a subject and verb.
12. It was cold. ___, we went swimming.
Answer: however
A new statement can begin with however, to show contrast.
13. Despite it was raining, we went out.
Answer: Although it was raining, we went out.
A full clause follows, so use although.
14. Although the rain, we went out.
Answer: Despite the rain, we went out.
A noun phrase follows, so use despite or in spite of.
15. The route was long. Despite, we arrived early.
Answer: The route was long. However, we arrived early.
Use however to start this separate contrasting statement.
16. Although of her nerves, she gave the speech.
Answer: Despite her nerves, she gave the speech.
Use despite or in spite of before the noun phrase her nerves.
17. Despite of the delay, we arrived on time.
Answer: Despite the delay, we arrived on time.
Use despite without of; in spite of is another valid phrase.
18. The task was hard. Although, we finished it.
Answer: The task was hard. However, we finished it.
Use however at the start of a contrasting second sentence.