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Clauses of Contrast, Purpose, Reason and Result - Test-English

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Clauses of Contrast, Purpose, Reason and Result - Test-English

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analia.ponce
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Clauses of contrast

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Although, even though

We can use although/even though at the beginning or middle of a sentence followed by


a clause (subject + verb). We NEVER use a comma after although or even though.

Although/Even though we had a bad game, we won.


We won, although/even though we had a bad game.

However

We use however to connect two different sentences. We normally use however at the
beginning of the second sentence after a full stop (.) or a semi-colon (;). However is
ALWAYS followed by a comma.

We didn’t like the hotel. However, we had a fantastic time.


We went to the beach; however, the weather wasn’t perfect.

We can also use however at the end of the sentence.

We didn’t like the hotel. We had a fantastic time, however.


Yet

The word yet means ‘but’ or ‘however’, and we use it to introduce a contrast to something
that has just been mentioned. It is followed by a subject and verb, and it often appears
after a comma or the word and. It can also be used after a full stop, followed by a comma,
but that’s much less common.

She was tired, yet she continued to work.


The task was difficult and yet they managed to complete it.
She was tired. Yet, she continued to work. (Not common.)

Despite/in spite of

Despite and in spite of are usually followed by a noun or a –ing verb. They can go at the
beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

Despite/In spite of the rain, we went to the concert.


They arrived despite/in spite of leaving very early.

We can use a clause (subject + verb) after despite/in spite of + the fact that.

We went out despite/in spite of the fact that it was raining.

While/whereas

We use while and whereas to show contrast between two facts or ideas. They can be
used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence, after a comma, and are often
interchangeable.

While/Whereas she enjoys cooking, he prefers to eat out.


Mary likes classical music, while/whereas her sister prefers jazz.

Clauses of purpose
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To + infinitive

The most common way to express purpose in English is to + infinitive.

The student worked hard to pass the test.

In order to/so as to + infinitive

In order to or so as to + infinitive are more common in formal English, mainly in writing.


The negative forms are in order not to and so as not to + infinitive.

We were asked to stay in order to finish the project.


He left home early in order not to be late.
Use a plastic hammer so as to avoid damage.
They walked quietly so as not to wake up the children.

We can also use the structure in order for someone/something to do something.

We need to mobilize the media in order for the Government to listen to us.
Three different surgeries were necessary in order for him to survive.

So that + clause
We can also use so that + subject + verb to express purpose. We normally use a modal
verb with this connector, e.g. could, can, would, etc.

We left early so that we could park near the centre.


He made some flashcards so that it would be easier for his mum to remember the
instructions.

For + noun

We can also use for + noun to express purpose.

We went to the bar for a drink.


Would you like to go to the park for a run?

We can use for + –ing verb (instead of to + infinitive) to talk about the purpose of an
object or action when we use the verb used or when we imply it.

This knife is (used) for cutting plastic.


Schools are for educating, not for entertaining.

In case + clause

To express purpose, we can also use in case + subject + verb. We use this form to talk
about precautions, when we do something because something we don’t want might
happen.

Take an umbrella in case it rains. (=Take an umbrella so that you won’t get wet if it
rains)
I won’t tell Ann in case she tells everyone else.

Clauses of reason
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When we want to explain why something happened or why someone did something, we
use a clause of reason introduced by a conjunction (as, since, because) or a noun
phrase introduced by because of, due to, owing to, or on account of.

Because

We use because before a clause (subject + verb). It can be used at the beginning or the
end of a sentence (at the end is more common). A comma is used when the clause of
reason is at the beginning of the sentence.

We didn’t go because it was raining heavily.


Because the event was cancelled, they lost their deposits.

As/since

We use as and since in a very similar way to because. They are followed by subject +
verb and can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence.
However, as and since are more formal expressions and are more common in written
than spoken English.

The Government urged people to stay indoors since/as more rain is forecast for the
entire weekend.
As/Since the roads were blocked, the victims had to be rescued by helicopter.
Because of

We use because of before a noun.

The concert was postponed because of the heavy rain.

Due to/owing to/on account of

We can also use due to/owing to/on account of before a noun. They mean ‘because of’
but are more formal.

The event was cancelled due to/owing to/on account of lack of interest.
I couldn’t enjoy the meal due to/owing to/on account of their constant arguing.

Clauses of result

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We use clauses of result to talk about the result of an action or situation.

So

We can use so + subject + verb at the end of a sentence to mean ‘this is why’.

We didn’t have anything to do, so we decided to rent a film.


I worked very hard today, so I’m exhausted.

For this reason

We usually use for this reason at the beginning of a sentence. We use a comma after it.

Rent is very expensive in Boston. For this reason, we decided to move to Ohio.
He threatened to commit suicide. For this reason, we kept him under surveillance.

As a result/consequently/therefore

As a result, consequently, and therefore are more formal and more common in written
language. They are normally used at the beginning of a sentence, followed by a comma.

The flight was delayed due to the storm. As a result, many passengers complained.

Animals were his only true passion. Therefore/Consequently, he decided to


study biology.

We can also use consequently and therefore in the mid position (before the verb,
after be as the main verb, or after the first auxiliary verb).

You have been a real asset to the company. We


have therefore/consequently decided to promote you.

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