Explanation
Exercises
Clauses of Contrast & Purpose
although / even though / though however / nevertheless despite / in spite of to / in order to / so as to so that + clause for + noun / -ing

What these clauses do

Contrast markers introduce a surprising or opposite idea. Purpose markers explain the goal of an action. Many items look similar but behave differently in grammar and punctuation.

  • Contrast Although it was late, we kept working.
  • Purpose She left early to catch the bus.

although / even though / though

FormNotesExample
although/even though + S + V even though is stronger emphasis. No comma after the linker. Even though we played badly, we won.
..., although/though + S + V Can appear mid-sentence. We won, although we played badly.
..., though. though can come at the end in speech. The test was tough, though.

⚠ No comma directly after although/even though/though.

however / nevertheless / nonetheless

Use these as sentence linkers, not as conjunctions inside one clause.

  • Punctuation We didn’t like the hotel. However, the staff were kind.
  • Semicolon We went to the beach; however, it was windy.
  • Common error ✘ We went to the beach, however it was windy.

However is typically followed by a comma. Nevertheless/Nonetheless behave the same but sound more formal.

despite / in spite of

PatternExample
despite / in spite of + noun Despite the rain, we went out.
despite / in spite of + -ing They arrived in spite of leaving very early.
despite / in spite of + the fact that + S + V We went out despite the fact that it was raining.
despite + there being + noun We enjoyed it despite there being little time.

⚠ Not despite of. Use despite alone or in spite of.

Other contrast markers

  • whereas / while compare two facts: Whereas my brother loves camping, I prefer hotels.
  • even if introduces a possible/hypothetical contrast (not a fact): Even if it rains, we’ll play. Compare: even though = the rain is real.

Purpose with infinitives

PatternRegisterExample
to + V most common The student studied to pass the test.
in order to / so as to + V more formal or careful We stayed late in order to finish.
in order not to / so as not to + V negative purpose He left early so as not to be late.

⚠ Avoid for to. Use to or the formal variants above.

Purpose with so that + clause

Use so that + S + V, often with a modal verb for the result you want.

  • can / could We left early so that we could park nearby.
  • will / would He wrote notes so that he would remember.
  • negative Close the door so that the cat won’t escape.

Don’t confuse with result so: It was cold, so we stayed in. (result, not purpose)

Purpose with for

PatternMeaningExample
for + noun activity or intended use We stopped for a coffee.
for + -ing general purpose/function This button is for opening the gate.
noun + for + person + to + V purpose of a thing for someone A room for guests to change.

Usage hints & common pitfalls

  • Comma rules: no comma after although/even though; use However, with a comma and start a new sentence or use a semicolon.
  • Despite vs in spite of: despite (no of), but in spite of (with of).
  • Purpose choice: to is neutral; in order to / so as to are more formal or when clarity is needed (especially negatives).
  • Even if vs even though: even if = possible condition; even though = true contrast.
Exercises:
1
2
3

Clauses of Contrast & Purpose

Choose the correct option to complete the sentences below.
1
it was late, we kept working.
2
the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
3
I left early I could catch the first train.
4
She whispered wake the baby.
5
My sister loves hiking, my brother prefers museums.
6
He kept running his shoes were hurting.
7
feeling tired, we kept going.
8
We left early avoid the rush-hour traffic.
9
the instructions are clear, the interface is confusing.
10
I’ll go for a run it rains.

Clauses of Contrast & Purpose

Choose the correct option for each gap below.
1
_____ it was raining, we kept playing.
A.
B.
C.
2
We left early _____ catch the last bus.
A.
B.
C.
3
She took notes _____ she wouldn’t forget the key points.
A.
B.
C.
4
_____ his age, he runs five kilometres every day.
A.
B.
C.
5
_____ the north is rainy, the south is sunny today.
A.
B.
C.
6
He whispered _____ wake the baby.
A.
B.
C.
7
_____ we had little time, we finished the report.
A.
B.
C.
8
This tool is _____ measuring angles.
A.
B.
C.
9
We moved downtown _____ we could walk to work.
A.
B.
C.
10
He wore a suit _____ make a good impression.
A.
B.
C.

Clauses of Contrast & Purpose

Write ONE word in each gap.
1
it was raining, we went for a walk.
2
She left home early avoid the traffic.
3
Tim enjoys jazz, his brother prefers rock.
4
the cold, they continued the match.
5
I will save a little each month I can buy a new laptop.
6
The instructions were clear; , the device would not start.
7
This button is restarting the system.
8
We tried our best, we lost.
9
She whispered wake the baby.
10
It was a great trip; the flights were expensive, .