ENGLISH LANGUAGE FUNCTIONS: Expressing contrast

Expressing contrast

Although

Although women's status has improved, they are still under-represented in

the parliament.

Though

Even though

My sister rarely uses her mobile phone even though she has got one.

In spite of

In spite of the difficulty of immigrating to the US, many people still apply

for green cards.

Despite

Despite the efforts that have been made by environmental activists,

pollution is still on the increase.

However

Yet

On the contrary

Watching TV can't be a waste of time. On the contrary, it's entertaining and

relaxing.

Whereas

I need eight hours' sleep a night, whereas my father gets by only five or six.

On the other hand

Nevertheless

The critics slammed Mr Humphrey's latest novel. Nevertheless,it was

awarded a Pulitzer.

Regardless

Regardless of their colour or religion, people must be treated equally.

Conversely

No matter how

No matter how hard they tried, they couldn't get to the other side of the

sea-coast.

Notwithstanding

Notwithstanding the fact that he has a ten-year experience in in computer

programming, Frank hasn't found a decent job yet.

These expressions are used to contrast two ideas.

Our district has been short of water for about six months now. However,

nothing has been done about it so far.

Henry takes after his father whereas Rashid takes after his mother.

In spite of her old age, my grandmother is attending a literacy night school.