Friday, December 9

Grammar tips

Today we will take a look at linking words.

Linking words are words that join clauses into sentences and show how the meanings of the two clauses are related. They may also connect different sentences, which make them extremely important to your text’s coherence.

Linking words of contrast

There are a number of linking words of contrast, but some of them are more important, such as: although; however; despite; yet; but; though; while; even though; whereas; in spite of; regardless (of); notwithstanding; nevertheless; nonetheless; by contrast; even so; albeit.

Did you know them all? Do you know how to use them or the particularities that each one implies to punctuation or meaning?

Yes, my friends, they need to be studied…

Today we will take a look at two linking words: although and despite!

Although

I can list 4 important characteristics for you to master the use of this linking word:

1. Although is an adverb and must be followed by a subject and verb;
2. Although works in an adverbial clause and cannot stand alone;
3.  the adverbial clause must be followed by a comma (“,”);
4. The main clause must also contain a subject and a verb.

Example: “Although the war in Ukraine puts Russia in a tough position due to Western sanctions, it also highlights Europe’s energy vulnerabilities.” 

Despite

Despite is a preposition, therefore:

1. As a preposition, despite can only be followed by one of three forms: noun, gerund, pronoun;
2. Despite works in a prepositional phrase and must be followed by a comma (“,”);
3. The main clause must also contain a subject and a verb.

Example: “Despite suffering with economic sanctions for years, Iran still manages to develop a respectable military industry.”

Stay tuned for more incredible grammar tips in our CACD Newsletter!