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Unit 13: Contrast clauses | Grammar | B1
Contrast clauses are introduced by the conjunctions: although, though, even though, etc. A contrast clause can come either before or after the main clause in a sentence and is used to make the main clause seem surprising in some way.
Contrast clauses can also be preceded by despite or in spite of, sometimes followed by a noun group or -ing form of the verb.
EXERCISE 1
Match the main clauses with appropriate contrast clauses in the exercise below:
| 1. The teacher heard us | A. despite the fact that we live in the same town. |
| 2. She went to the party | B. although I hadn't seen him for years. |
| 3. I recognised him immediately | C. she always got the best marks. |
| 4. In spite of the fact that she was the youngest in the class | D. even though they knew she was a vegetarian. |
| 5. He told her about the job | E. in some ways she is the most mature. |
| 6. In spite of bad weather, | F. even though we were talking very quietly. |
| 7. They gave her meat for dinner | G. I love him very much. |
| 8. In spite of being the youngest, | H. they seem quite happy. |
| 9. I hardly ever see my relatives | I. they had the picnic as planned. |
| 10. I've never been to France | J. though it was supposed to be a secret. |
| 11. Despite having no money, | K. although I've heard it's a beautiful country. |
| 12. Even though he's selfish and bad-tempered, | L. despite the fact that her parents had forbidden her to go. |
EXERCISE 2
Transform the following sentences so that the same meaning is expressed, using the construction Even though + clause:
e.g. Despite being the oldest in her family, she was treated like a child.
Even though she was the oldest in her family, she was treated like a child.
1. In spite of the snow and ice on the road, we got home safely.
Even though ____________________________.
2. Despite the large number of letters we sent them, we received no reply.
Even though ____________________________.
3. In spite of the fact that she made mistakes, she was a good secretary.
Even though ____________________________.
EXERCISE 3
Now transform the following sentences, using the Despite + '-ing' form:
e.g. Even though she had no qualifications, she got the job.
Despite having no qualifications, she got the iob.
1. Even though he looks quite tough, he's actually quite sensitive.
Despite ____________________________.
2. I arrived late even though I left my house before 6 o'clock.
Despite ____________________________.
3. He smokes and drinks even though he’s a priest.
Despite ____________________________.