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 & 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 & 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 & 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.