Clauses of contrast, purpose & reason
Quick map: form → what follows
| Connector | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although / even though / though | clause (S + V) | Although it was late, we stayed. |
| however / nevertheless / even so | new sentence or ; + adverb + , | We were tired; however, we continued. |
| despite / in spite of | noun / -ing • or the fact that + clause | Despite the rain, we played. / In spite of the fact that it rained… |
| whereas / while (=contrast) | clause (S + V) | She likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee. |
| to / in order (not) to / so as (not) to | to-infinitive | He whispered so as not to wake the baby. |
| so that / in order that | clause (often with modal: can/could/will/would) | We left early so that we could park. |
| for (+ noun / -ing) | noun phrase (purpose/function) | A brush for painting. |
| because / as / since | clause (S + V) | We stayed inside because it rained. |
| because of / due to / owing to / thanks to | noun phrase | The flight was delayed due to fog. |
| in case (prevention) | clause | Take an umbrella in case it rains. (purpose of being prepared) |
Clauses of contrast
- Although / even though / though + clause. No comma right after the connector.
Even though we played well, we lost. / We lost, though. - However links two sentences (or after ;). Always followed by a comma.
We didn’t like the hotel; however, the view was amazing. - Despite / in spite of + noun / -ing. For a clause, use the fact that.
Despite feeling tired, we went out. • In spite of the fact that it was snowing… - Whereas / while contrast two facts in one sentence.
Whereas Tom is cautious, Anna takes risks. - But / yet are coordinators (place a comma before them in long sentences).
It was late, yet nobody wanted to leave.
❌ Don’t combine although/even though with but/however in the same contrast pair.
❌ despite of is incorrect (use despite / in spite of).
Clauses of purpose
- to + infinitive is the most common way: She studied to pass.
- in order (not) to / so as (not) to are more formal; useful for negatives: He spoke quietly so as not to disturb.
- so that + clause (often with modals): We left early so that we would avoid traffic.
- for + noun / -ing = purpose or function of a thing/activity: a bag for carrying tools. (Not used before a full clause.)
- in case + clause = to be prepared for a possible situation: Take cash in case the card machine doesn’t work.
Difference: for + noun names the purpose/function; to + verb explains why someone acts now.
Clauses of reason
- because + clause (neutral and most common). Fronted clause takes a comma: Because it rained, we stayed in.
- as / since + clause (more formal / giving background): Since you’re here, let’s start.
- because of / due to / owing to + noun phrase. Due to / owing to are formal; thanks to is usually positive: Thanks to your help, we finished.
- Literary for (= because) links two clauses and is preceded by a comma in writing: It was late, for we were tired. (formal)
We normally avoid a comma before because unless needed to avoid ambiguity or when the clause comes first.
Purpose vs reason
- Purpose: why someone intends to do something.
I took a taxi to get there on time. - Reason: why something happened.
I took a taxi because the bus was late.
Punctuation & register tips
- Start-position adverbial clauses (Because/Although/Since…) are followed by a comma. Mid-position ones usually aren’t.
- However / therefore / nevertheless / even so act like sentence adverbs → use . or ; before, and a comma after.
- Though can appear at the end of a sentence in conversation: Nice place, though.
Exercises:
Clauses of contrast, purpose and reason
Choose the correct connectors to complete the following clauses of contrast, purpose and reason.
1
she was exhausted, she kept working until midnight.
2
He promised to help;
he never showed up.
3
They finished the project on time
starting a week late.
4
We left early
we wouldn’t get stuck in traffic.
5
She plays well.
she needs more practice.
6
The meeting was postponed
a power outage in the building.
7
he was warned, he opened the email attachment.
8
I’m saving money
buy a new laptop.
9
They exercise during lunch breaks
reduce stress.
10
the heavy rain, the festival went ahead as planned.
Clauses of contrast, purpose and reason
Choose the correct connectors to complete the following clauses of contrast, purpose and reason.
1
We went out _____ the rain.
A.
B.
C.
2
_____ he was exhausted, he finished the report.
A.
B.
C.
3
The meeting was postponed _____ a power outage.
A.
B.
C.
4
She whispered _____ she wouldn’t wake the baby.
A.
B.
C.
5
He took the bus _____ save money.
A.
B.
C.
6
I wore a coat, _____ it was sunny.
A.
B.
C.
7
The team lost; _____, they qualified for the finals.
A.
B.
C.
8
_____ the traffic, we arrived on time.
A.
B.
C.
9
We left early _____ catch the last train.
A.
B.
C.
10
She missed the class _____ she was ill.
A.
B.
C.
Clauses of contrast, purpose and reason
Fill in each gap with ONE word to complete the following clauses of contrast, purpose and reason.
1
Please bring your ID ____ we can verify your booking.
2
____ being sick, she finished the marathon.
3
The match was postponed ____ to heavy snow.
4
____ you look calm, your voice is shaking.
5
He left early so ____ to avoid the traffic.
6
The library is closed ____ renovations today.
7
____ he studied hard, he didn’t pass the exam.
8
Take an umbrella in ____ it rains.
9
We’re saving every month ____ buy an electric car.
10
The meeting was postponed ____ the CEO was ill.