B1-B2 GrammarB1+ Upper-intermediate

Clauses of contrast and purpose

Explanation Exercises Downloads

Exercise 2

Exercises:1 2 3

Choose the correct option for each gap below.

He won the race _______ being in his best form.

I finished the book _______ I didn't like it at all.

I didn't tell her the truth _______ hurt her feelings.

The house is very well maintained _______ being an old property.

I'm training very hard _______ improve my personal best time.

_______ we live together, we hardly see each other.

He left his bag on purpose _______ he could have an excuse to go back.

I went to the library _______ some books I needed.

He's not very good at tennis, _______ the fact that he practices almost every day.

You can practise all you want. _______, you'll never beat him.

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Clauses of contrast and purpose: Grammar chart

A grammar chart explaining clauses of contrast and purpose, including examples and structures such as "although/even though," "however," "in spite of/despite," and "to/in order to/so as to."

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Clauses of contrast

Although, even though

We can use although/even though at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence followed by a clause (subject + verb). We NEVER use a comma after although or event 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 after a full stop (.) or a semi-colon (;). However should ALWAYS be 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.

Despite/in spite of

Despite and in spite of are normally 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.

Clauses of purpose

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.

So that + clause

We can also use so that + subject + verb to express purpose. We normally use a modal verb with this connector. (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?

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