Basic Grammar: Contrast 1. Conjunctions You always link contrasting ideas by using the coordinating conjunction “but”: Ex. She has ignored my heart, but I have tried to catch hers. You can use a sub-clause beginning with the subordinating conjunctions “though, although, even though” to express a contrasting idea. Ex. Although she has ignored my heart, I have tried to catch hers. You can also use “while, whereas” to express contrast between equivalent ideas. Ex. While we love deeply, her parents disagree with our intention to marry. NOTE: There are special conjunctions with “as” for expressing the meaning of “even though”. The “as” stands in the middle of the sub-clause. Ex. Much as I love her, she never loves me. = Even though I love her much, she never loves me. Ex. Poor as I am, I still live with virtue and morality. = Even though I am poor, I still live with virtue and morality. 2. Prepositional Phrases and Adverbs You use the prepositions “in spite of, despite, for all, notwithstanding” to express Contrast. Ex. We had a nice party in spite of her absence. Ex. Notwithstanding pay increase, the state officials are still corrupt. Ex. For all his experience, he cannot deal with the task. You can also use sentence adverbs such as “yet, however, nevertheless, all the same, still, even so” to express Contrast. Ex. They work hard; however, they are poor. Ex. They work hard. However, they are poor. Ex. New laws are formed; nevertheless, they are never reinforced. Ex. New laws are formed. Nevertheless, they are never reinforced. (Duch Sopheak, Countryside Writer)
Posted on: Mon, 04 Aug 2014 00:46:58 +0000