Clauses of Contrast, Concession, and Purpose – Grammar Made Simple

Improve Your Writing and Speaking with These Useful Connectors!

Do you ever want to explain two opposite ideas, show unexpected results, or say why you did something?

If yes, then clauses of contrast, concession, and purpose are exactly what you need!

Let’s break them down with simple rules, clear examples, and a chance to practise.

⚖️ 1. Clauses of Contrast – Showing Opposite Ideas

Clauses of contrast connect two ideas that are different or opposite.

🔹 Common contrast words:

• but

• although

• even though

• whereas

• while

✅ Examples:

• She loves reading but he prefers watching films.

• Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

• He is very shy, whereas his brother is extremely confident.

• While I enjoy cooking, I don’t like washing the dishes.

📌 Rule: "Although", "even though", "while", and "whereas" are followed by a subject + verb.
E.g. Although she was tired, she kept working.

🎭 2. Clauses of Concession – Showing Unexpected Results

Clauses of concession show that something is true, even though there’s a reason it might not be.

🔹 Common concession words:

• even though

• though

• although

• despite

• in spite of

✅ Examples:

• Even though he studied hard, he failed the test.

• In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time.

• Despite being late, she got the job.

📌 Rule:

• Use "despite" / "in spite of" + noun or verb + -ing.
  E.g. Despite the rain / Despite being tired

🎯 3. Clauses of Purpose – Explaining Why

Clauses of purpose explain the reason why something is done. These are common in both formal and informal speech.

🔹 Common purpose words:

• so that

• in order to

• to

• so

• for the purpose of

✅ Examples:

• She left early so that she could catch the bus.

• I’m studying hard to pass my exam.

• He exercises every day in order to stay healthy.

📌 Rule:

• Use "to" / "in order to" + base verb.
  E.g. to learn, to improve, to succeed

• Use "so that" + subject + verb.
  E.g. She arrived early so that she could get a seat.

🧠 Mini Quiz – Test Yourself!

Choose the correct option to complete each sentence.

• I took a day off _______ I could rest.
  A) because
  B) so that
  C) although

• _______ the weather was bad, they played football.
  A) Because
  B) In order to
  C) Although

• She went to the gym every day _______ lose weight.
  A) to
  B) but
  C) while

• _______ his age, he runs very fast.
  A) Despite
  B) Because
  C) Even though

• I love my job, _______ it can be stressful at times.
  A) so
  B) but
  C) to

✅ Answers:
1 – B | 2 – C | 3 – A | 4 – A | 5 – B

✍️ Practice Challenge

Write 5 sentences using at least one word from each group:

• Contrast (e.g. although, but)

• Concession (e.g. despite, even though)

• Purpose (e.g. to, so that)

👉 Example: Although I was tired, I went for a run to clear my mind.

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