Contrasting connectors are essential for linking different parts of a sentence when comparing and contrasting ideas in business English.
Formality and tone should be considered when using contrasting connectors, as they can help express different viewpoints and weigh up different aspects of a topic in the most appropriate way.
Deep dives
Connectors for Contrast
The podcast episode discusses the importance of connectors for contrast in business English. Contrasting connectors are used to link different parts of a sentence when contrasting and comparing ideas. They are commonly used when analyzing pros and cons, advantages and disadvantages, or different options in a discussion or debate. Examples of contrasting connectors mentioned in the episode include 'even though', 'in spite of the fact that', 'nevertheless', 'however', 'whereas', and 'while'. These connectors help express different viewpoints and weigh up different aspects of a topic.
Formality and Usage of Contrasting Connectors
The podcast highlights the importance of considering formality when using contrasting connectors. Connectors like 'even though', 'although', 'though', 'in spite of', 'despite' are commonly used in both spoken and written English, with 'even though' being slightly more emphatic. 'Nevertheless' is used to introduce a positive tone after a negative one, while 'however' introduces a negative tone after a positive one or can be used to signify something surprising or unexpected. 'Whereas' and 'while' are used to contrast different points of view or facts about a topic. 'Even so' is used to present a fact from the speaker's perspective and is equivalent to saying 'even though that's the case'. Considering the tone and context is essential when using these connectors.
Practical Tips and Resources
The episode encourages listeners to practice using contrasting connectors by writing their own texts related to their industry. It emphasizes the importance of resources and practical tips for implementing these connectors in spoken language. The next episode will provide recommendations and strategies for effectively incorporating contrasting connectors into speech. The episode also addresses a common question about polite ways to ask to use the restroom in professional settings, recommending the use of 'Can I go to the bathroom?' as the most professional and polite option.
Connectors are really useful way to help you express yourself in a smooth, fluent way at work. In the last episode we set up the foundation for connectors and in part 2 we start to go into one of the most common connecting groups - contrasters. Here we are talking about however, even though, on one hand, on the other hand and some more advanced ones that I'm going to share with you today.