Linking words: Contrasting ideas
But / However	But is more informal than however. You can use however at the beginning of a sentence, but you can’t use but at the beginning of a sentence (in written English). §  I tried to lift the box, but it was too heavy for me. §  I tried to lift the box. However, it was too heavy for me.
Although / Even though	These linking words are the same, and they are both followed by a subject + verb. §  Although I exercise every day, I can’t seem to lose any weight. §  She still loves him, even though he treated her very badly.
Despite / In spite of	These linking words are the same, and they are followed by a noun or a gerund(-ing form of the verb, which can function as a noun). §  Our plane arrived on time in spite of the delay during takeoff. §  We won the game despite having two fewer players.
Despite the fact that / in spite of the fact that	These phrases are followed by a subject + verb. §  Our plane arrived on time in spite of the fact that it left 30 minutes late. §  We won the game despite the fact that we had two fewer players.
While / Whereas / Unlike	These linking words are used to make contrasts. While and whereas are usually used between two complete phrases. Unlike is typically used with only a subject. §  I like tennis, while my brother prefers bowling. §  This cell phone plan costs $0.05 per minute, whereas that one gives you up to 800 minutes per month for a fixed price. §  His boss allows him to work from home, unlike mine. §  She’s very friendly, unlike her sister.

Linking Words Quiz: Contrasting Ideas

There are 8 questions to complete.

Question 1

We called her five times, ______ she didn't pick up the phone.

A	unlike
B	despite
C	but

Question 2

I really liked the movie _________ it got bad reviews.

A	even though
B	however
C	while

Question 3

He followed his dream of being an actor ____________ his parents wanted him to be an engineer.

A	despite the fact that
B	unlike
C	in spite of

Question 4

The disease is spreading ________ efforts to control it.

A	but
B	in spite of
C	whereas

Question 5

New York City has a lot of interesting cultural events, ________ my hometown.

A	while
B	whereas
C	unlike

Question 6

An intensive course is a great way to learn English fast, ________ it can be very tiring at times.

A	although
B	despite
C	unlike

Question 7

You need only one year of training to be a technician, _________ you need more than 7 years of study to be a doctor.

A	even though
B	whereas
C	in spite of

Question 8

_______ I understand your point of view, I still don't agree with you.

A	While
B	However
C	In spite of

Get Results

Question 1

We called her five times, ______ she didn't pick up the phone.

A	unlike
B	despite
C	but

Question 2

I really liked the movie _________ it got bad reviews.

A	even though
B	however
C	while

Question 3

He followed his dream of being an actor ____________ his parents wanted him to be an engineer.

A	despite the fact that
B	unlike
C	in spite of

Question 4

The disease is spreading ________ efforts to control it.

A	but
B	in spite of
C	whereas

Question 5

New York City has a lot of interesting cultural events, ________ my hometown.

A	while
B	whereas
C	unlike

Question 6

An intensive course is a great way to learn English fast, ________ it can be very tiring at times.

A	although
B	despite
C	unlike

Question 7

You need only one year of training to be a technician, _________ you need more than 7 years of study to be a doctor.

A	even though
B	whereas
C	in spite of

Question 8

_______ I understand your point of view, I still don't agree with you.

A	While
B	However
C	In spite of