B2Conjunctions and clauses

Contrast, purpose, reason and result

Choose among clause linkers, prepositional linkers and formal structures according to logical relationship, grammar and register.

Overview

What this grammar does

Choose among clause linkers, prepositional linkers and formal structures according to logical relationship, grammar and register.

Form and rules

How it works

Contrast/concession: although/even though + clause; despite/in spite of + noun/-ing; whereas/while contrast parallel facts.

Reason: because/since/as + clause; because of/due to/owing to + noun phrase, with register differences.

Purpose: to/in order to/so as to + infinitive; so that/in order that + clause.

Result: so + adjective/adverb + that; such + noun phrase + that; therefore/consequently/as a result link larger units.

Choose structure as well as meaning: a linker requiring a noun phrase cannot directly introduce a finite clause without a phrase such as the fact that.

A closer look

Meaning and use

Result: so + adjective/adverb + that; such + noun phrase + that; therefore/consequently/as a result link larger units.

Choose structure as well as meaning: a linker requiring a noun phrase cannot directly introduce a finite clause without a phrase such as the fact that.

Examples

See the pattern in complete sentences

Although demand fell, profits rose.

Despite lower demand, profits rose.

The launch was delayed due to a technical fault.

We simplified the form so that customers could complete it faster.

Demand fell; consequently, production was reduced.

Common mistakes

What to avoid

Although of the fact that costs rose, the company remained profitable.

Despite the fact that costs rose, the company remained profitable.

Despite can take the fact that + clause.

The match was postponed although heavy rain.

The match was postponed due to heavy rain.

Due to is followed by a noun phrase.

Ready to practise?

The test combines multiple choice, gap completion, error correction, and sentence building so students have to recognise and produce the grammar, not simply reread the rule.

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