Linking devices: however, although, despite, therefore
Contrast, cause and addition for essays: the grammar behind although/despite/however and their punctuation
I can link essay ideas with the right word class and punctuation.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Despite the delays, the project came in under budget; therefore, the team got a bonus.
Despite the delays, the project came in under budget; therefore, the team got a bonus.
Although the reviews were brutal, the play sold out. However, the director still resigned.
Although the reviews were brutal, the play sold out. However, the director still resigned.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
The grammar class decides the pattern:
| Word | Class | Pattern |
|---|---|---|
| although / even though | conjunction | Although it rained, we went out. |
| despite / in spite of | preposition | Despite the rain, we went out. Despite raining... → despite the rain / its raining |
| however / therefore / moreover | adverb | It rained. However, we went out. |
The classic comma splice: *It rained, however we went out — however needs a full stop or semicolon before it.
- *Despite it rained → Despite the rain / Although it rained
- Comma splice: *..., however we... → . However,
- *Although the rain → Despite the rain
Common Error Patterns
Clause after despite
despite + noun/gerund; clause → although
Comma before however
Full stop or semicolon before however
Despite the delays, the project came in under budget; therefore, the team got a bonus.
Despite the delays, the project came in under budget; therefore, the team got a bonus.
despite + noun, semicolon + therefore.
Although the reviews were brutal, the play sold out. However, the director still resigned.
Although the reviews were brutal, the play sold out. However, the director still resigned.
although-clause + sentence-initial However.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B2 course exercises