Learning English Grammar Linking devices: cause and effect
Aug 19, 2025
Explore the power of linking devices to connect contrasting ideas in sentences. Discover how to use conjunctions like 'but' and 'although' effectively for clarity. Delve into the nuances between 'despite' and 'in spite of' to convey unexpected information. The podcast also offers quizzes to test your understanding, making grammar learning both engaging and practical.
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How But, However And Although Differ
- 'But' joins contrasting ideas into one sentence while 'however' usually starts a new sentence or appears at the end.
- 'Although' and 'even though' join ideas into one sentence and express stronger surprise.
Although Expresses Greater Surprise
- 'Although' and 'even though' show surprise more strongly than 'but' or 'however'.
- You can place them at the start or in the middle of a longer sentence.
Use Despite/In Spite Of Correctly
- Use 'despite' or 'in spite of' to link surprising ideas, but follow them with an -ing form or a noun phrase.
- You can also follow them with 'the fact that' plus a subject and verb.