Understanding Linking Devices

Linking devices play a crucial role in connecting and contrasting ideas within sentences. Words and phrases such as 'however,' 'although,' and 'despite' serve as effective tools to express unexpected contrasts. For example, the sentence 'Dean and I were the best of friends, but sometimes we completely disagreed' clearly illustrates how a contrasting conjunction can enhance the understanding of the relationship between the two ideas. Similarly, using 'despite' as in 'Despite being the best of friends, Dean and I sometimes completely disagreed' conveys the surprise inherent in their friendship dynamics.