ADVERBIAL CLAUSE OF CONTRAST

Contrast clauses or adverbial clauses of concession are used to express ideas or actions that are not expected (contradictive with the fact). The information in the independent clause indicates a concession or an unexpected result of something in the dependent clause. They are introduced by the subordinators although (even though or though), whereas or while.

Although

We use although (even though or though) to contrast two opposite meanings (positive and negative) and it always gives unexpected results.

Example

Although I studied all night, I failed the test. (unexpected result)

Even though the weather was cold, I went swimming. (unexpected result)

Whereas or While

We use whereas or while to contrast two opposite facts. We don’t matter negative or positive meaning.

Example

In Britain the hottest month of the year is July, whereas/while in Australia it is usually the coldest.

(We only contrast the weather in July in two different continents. The hottest or coldest does not mean negative or positive. They are only facts.)

EXERCISE 1

Combine the following sentences using the subordinators of contrast clause.

 1.    Smokers claim the right to smoke in public places. Nonsmokers claim the right to clean air.

2.    The air is polluted in industrial areas. The air is clan in many rural areas.

3.  Global warming is a real problem. Governments have been slow to take action

4.  Scientists know why earthquakes happen. They are still not able to predict them.

5.    I’m still ready to have the final exam. I’ve had more than 12 lessons.