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Clauses of Contrast

Clauses of Contrast

Clauses of contrast are used to show how two ideas are opposite or different from each other. These can be formed using words and phrases like although, even though, though, in spite of, and despite.


1) Although / Even Though / Though

  • Although and even though introduce a clause that contrasts with the main idea. Even though shows a stronger or more surprising contrast than although.

  • Though is less formal than although and is typically used in the middle or at the end of a sentence.


Examples:
  • Although the advert said it would last for years, mine broke after two months.

  • I went to work even though I wasn't feeling very well. (even though emphasizes a stronger contrast here, as it’s surprising to go to work when feeling unwell.)

  • I like Ann, though she sometimes annoys me.


Key Points:
  • Even though = stronger contrast.

  • Though is more informal and usually placed in the middle or end of a sentence.


2) In Spite Of / Despite

  • In spite of and despite are used to contrast ideas, but after them, you must use:

    • A noun (e.g., her age),

    • A verb in the -ing form (e.g., being 85),

    • Or the fact that + subject + verb (e.g., the fact that she's 85).


Examples:
  • In spite of her age, she is still very active.

  • Despite being 85, she is still very active.

  • In spite of the fact that she's 85, she is still very active.


Key Points:
  • In spite of and despite must be followed by:

    • Noun, verb + -ing, or the fact that + clause.


Clauses of Purpose

Clauses of purpose explain why something happens or is done. They describe the intention or goal behind an action.


1) To, In Order To, So As To

  • These are used to explain the purpose of an action. After them, you should use an infinitive verb (the base form of the verb).


Examples:
  • I took a taxi to get to the airport quickly.

  • I went to the library in order to study for my exams.

  • She locked the door so as to avoid interruptions.


Key Points:
  • To, in order to, and so as to are followed by the infinitive (verb without "to").


2) For + Noun or Gerund

  • Use for + noun to describe the purpose of an event or thing.

  • Use for + gerund (verb + -ing) to describe the exact purpose of an object.


Examples:
  • This room is for meetings. (for + noun)

  • This brush is for cleaning metal. (for + gerund)


Key Points:
  • For + noun describes the purpose of a thing or event.

  • For + gerund describes the specific function of an object.


3) So That + Subject + Modal Verb

  • So that is used to express purpose, and after it, you should use a subject + modal verb (e.g., can, could, would).


Examples:
  • I left early so that I could catch the train.

  • She practices every day so that she can improve her skills.


Key Points:
  • So that is followed by subject + modal verb.


4) Negative Purpose (So As Not To / In Order Not To)

  • To express a negative purpose, use so as not to or in order not to. These show that the action was done to avoid something.


Examples:
  • I wrote down what he said in order not to forget it.

  • She left early so as not to be late for the meeting.


Key Points:
  • Use so as not to or in order not to for negative purposes. Avoid saying "to not."


Summary


Clauses of Contrast:

  1. Although / Even Though / Though:

    • Contrast between two ideas.

    • Even though shows a stronger contrast.

    • Though is informal.

  2. In Spite Of / Despite:

    • Must be followed by:

      • A noun,

      • A verb + -ing form,

      • Or the fact that + subject + verb.


Clauses of Purpose:

  1. To / In Order To / So As To:

    • Use an infinitive to express purpose.

  2. For + Noun or Gerund:

    • For + noun: Describes the purpose of an event or thing.

    • For + gerund: Describes the function of an object.

  3. So That + Subject + Modal Verb:

    • Used for purpose with modal verbs.

  4. So As Not To / In Order Not To:

    • Use for negative purposes, to show something was done to avoid a result.

Clauses of contrast 

1) Although the advert said it would last for years, mine broke after two months. 

I went to work even though I wasn't feeling very well. 

I like Ann, though she sometimes annoys me. 

2) In spite of (Despite) 

her age, she is still very active. 

being 85, she is still very active. 

the fact that she's 85, she is still very active


• Even though is stronger than 

although and is used to express a big or surprising contrast.

 

• Though is more informal than 

although. It can only be used in the middle of a sentence.

 

• After in spite of or 

despiteuse a noun, a verb in the -ing form, or the fact that + subject + verb.

 



Clauses of Purpose


1) After to, in order to, and so as to, use an infinitive.

2) Use for + a noun, e.g. for a meeting. You can also use for + gerund to describe the exact purpose of a thing, e.g. This liquid is for cleaning metal.

3) After so that, use a subject + modal verb (can, could, would, etc.).

4) To express a negative purpose, use so as not to or in order not to, e.g. I wrote down what he said in order not to forget it. NOT to not forget it.


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