Stating Contrast in English: A B2 Guide to Expressing Differences

Welcome to your B2 English lesson on stating contrast! Being able to show contrast is a crucial skill for effective communication, especially when you want to express different viewpoints, unexpected results, or simply highlight differences between ideas. In this lesson, we’ll explore various ways to use contrast words in English to enhance your speaking and writing skills. If you’re aiming to improve your spoken English practice and sound more fluent, mastering contrast is a must!

Why is Stating Contrast Important?

Think about everyday conversations. How often do you need to express that something is different from something else, or that there’s an unexpected twist? Quite often, right?

In Discussions: When you disagree politely or present an alternative perspective, you use contrast. For example, “Some people love summer, but I prefer winter.“
In Explanations: To highlight differences and nuances. For example, “English grammar can be tricky, however, with practice, it becomes easier.“
In Storytelling: To create intrigue and unexpected turns. For example, “She expected to be nervous, but instead, she felt calm.“

Learning to use English connectors for contrast effectively at a B2 level will make your English sound more sophisticated and natural. It’s a key step in moving from intermediate to advanced English fluency.

Common Ways to State Contrast in English

There are several grammatical structures and words we can use to show contrast. Let’s break them down:

Conjunctions: Although, Though, Even though

Although, though, and even though are conjunctions used to introduce a contrasting idea in a subordinate clause. They mean “despite the fact that”. Even though is stronger than although and though.

Although it was raining heavily, we decided to go for a walk.
Though she was tired, she finished her work.
Even though he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.

Notice the structure: Although/Though/Even though + clause, main clause. You can also reverse the order:

We decided to go for a walk although it was raining heavily.
She finished her work though she was tired.
He didn’t pass the exam even though he studied hard.

Prepositions: Despite, In spite of

Despite and in spite of are prepositions followed by a noun phrase or gerund (verb + -ing). They have a similar meaning to although, though, and even though, but they are followed by a noun or -ing form, not a clause.

Despite the rain, we enjoyed our walk. (rain is a noun)
In spite of her tiredness, she finished her work. (tiredness is a noun)
Despite studying hard, he didn’t pass the exam. (studying is a gerund)

Important: We say despite and in spite of, but we cannot say “despite of” or “in spite”.

Adverbs: However, Nevertheless, Nonetheless

However, nevertheless, and nonetheless are adverbs that introduce a contrasting idea. They are stronger and more formal than but. Nevertheless and nonetheless are very similar to however, but even more formal.

The movie was long; however, it was very interesting.
He was injured; nevertheless, he completed the race.
The task was difficult; nonetheless, they succeeded.

These adverbs are often placed at the beginning of a sentence or after a semicolon. You can also put however in the middle of a sentence, usually after the verb or after the first auxiliary verb.

The movie was long. It was, however, very interesting.
She is tired. She will, however, come to the party.

Phrases: On the one hand, On the other hand, In contrast

These phrases are useful for presenting two contrasting sides of an argument or situation.

On the one hand, living in a city offers many opportunities. On the other hand, it can be very expensive.
This phone is cheaper. In contrast, that one has a better camera.

In contrast is often used to directly compare two things and highlight their differences.

How to Use Contrast Words in Speaking

Let’s see how you can use these contrast words English in everyday conversations. Remember, spoken English practice is key to making these words sound natural when you speak.

Expressing Polite Disagreement: “I see your point. However, I think there might be another way to look at it.“
Acknowledging a Point but Presenting a Different Side: “Although it’s true that it’s expensive, it’s also very convenient.“
Highlighting Unexpected Outcomes: “She had prepared a lot for the presentation. Nevertheless, she was still nervous when she started.“
Comparing Options: “On the one hand, we could go to the beach. On the other hand, the mountains might be more relaxing.“

Try to use these phrases in your next English conversation. Don’t be afraid to experiment and practice! The more you use them, the more comfortable you’ll become.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Stating Contrast

Even at a B2 level, learners sometimes make mistakes with contrast words. Here are a few common errors to watch out for:

Misusing Despite of: Remember, it’s just “despite” or “in spite of“, not “despite of”. Incorrect: “Despite of the rain…” Correct: “Despite the rain…“
Incorrect word order with although/though/even though: Ensure these conjunctions are followed by a clause (subject + verb). Incorrect: “Despite of rain, we went out.” Correct: “Although it was raining, we went out.“
Using but too frequently: While but is a valid contrast word, overusing it can make your English sound less sophisticated. Try to vary your vocabulary with however, nevertheless, etc.
Forgetting punctuation with adverbs like however: When using however at the beginning of a sentence, remember to use a comma after it. “However, I disagree.” When using it to connect two independent clauses, use a semicolon before it and a comma after it. “It was expensive; however, it was worth it.“

Being aware of these common mistakes will help you improve your accuracy when stating contrast in English.

Let’s Practice!

Now it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Complete the following sentences using appropriate contrast words from this lesson. Choose from: although, despite, however, on the one hand, on the other hand, in contrast.

Exercises

_________ it was late, they decided to go for a walk.
_________ the noise, she managed to concentrate and finish her work.
This phone has a great battery life. _________, the camera quality isn’t as good.
_________ , living in the countryside is peaceful. _________, it can be quite isolated.
He is very talented; _________, he lacks confidence.

Answers

Although it was late, they decided to go for a walk.
Despite the noise, she managed to concentrate and finish her work.
This phone has a great battery life. However, the camera quality isn’t as good.
On the one hand, living in the countryside is peaceful. On the other hand, it can be quite isolated.
He is very talented; however, he lacks confidence.

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Keep practicing and you’ll master stating contrast in English in no time! For more English grammar B2 lessons and tips to improve English vocabulary and English pronunciation tips, keep visiting our blog!