Transitional Expressions Expressing contrast But, however, although, even though, whereas, despite, and in spite of are used to CONTRAST TWO IDEAS. Study the following sentences and check that you understand the meaning of the underlined linking words and the whole sentences. Despite/In spite of working hard, I failed my exams. Despite/In spite of poor health, my father was always cheerful. The official language is French, but many people speak a little English. The official language is French. However, many people speak a little English. Although/Even though the official language is French, many people speak a little English. The official language is French, although/even though many people speak a little English. The south has a hot climate, whereas the north has a milder climate. Which of the underlined expressions are conjunctions (= spojky)? Which are prepositions (= předložky)? despite although in spite of even though whereas but however Practice1: Now check your understanding in practice and choose the correct option. 1 We managed to get to the office _____ the heavy snow. A in spite of B however C while 2 _____ we set off early, we only arrived just in time. A However B Although C Despite 3 _____ needing a rest, the team continued to work. A In spite B Despite C Although 4 The film was good, _____it was also very frightening. A despite B but C in spite 5 Paul can drive a car, _____ Charles can ride a motorbike. A whereas B even though C despite 6 _____ she isn’t fond of classical music, she went to the concert. A However B Even though C Despite Practice 2: Join the sentences using the word(s) in brackets. 1 Many people think that Sydney is the capital of Australia. Canberra is really the capital. (but) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 2 Tom likes football. Stuart likes basketball. (whereas) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 3 The Amazon is the longest river in South America. The Nile is the longest river in the world. (however) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 4 I have the greatest respect for his ideas. I don’t agree with them. (although) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 5 I cycle to school. I don’t feel very fit. (even though) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. 6 I was tired. I watched the late film. (despite) ………………………………………………………………………………………………………………. Expressing cause and result Because, as and since are used to express CAUSE. As a result, consequently, therefore and so are used to express RESULT. Study the following sentences and check that you understand the meaning of the underlined linking words and the sentences as a whole. People in some parts of the world cannot afford computers since/as/because they are too expensive. He didn’t have an antivirus program, and as a result, a virus attacked his computer. His explanation was full of technical terms. Consequently, nobody understood him at all! Al didn’t study. Therefore, he failed the test. Batteries are too expensive, so the computer is powered by solar energy. Practice 3: Choose the most appropriate linking word. 1 He was hungry because/so he bought a sandwich. 2 Many people don’t empty their mailboxes. Since/As a result, they may have problems downloading their mail. 3 She is always bad-tempered. Consequently/As, she doesn’t have many friends. 4 There’s no point hypothesizing about how the accident happened, since/despite we’ll never really know. 5 Doctors are short of time to listen. Therefore/As well, they tend to prescribe drugs whenever they can. 6 As/So it was getting late, I decided to drive home. (Adapted from: Philpot, S. (2011) Academic Skills. Reading, Writing, and Study Skills. OUP. https://dictionary.cambridge.org) PRACTICE 4: Read the text and choose the most suitable option. There are many reasons for visiting the city of Rome. 1) _____, it is a city with an interesting history. 2) _____, it was the capital of the Roman Empire. 3) _____, Rome is very beautiful, 4) _____ its many places, churches and squares. 5) _____ , many of the city’s classical monuments have been preserved, 6)_____ it is possible to see how the city used to be. 7) _____, many people travel to Rome every year. 8) _____ , I believe that 9) _____ a trip to Rome may be expensive, it is well worth visiting such a wonderful city. 1) A Since B On the whole C Firstly 2) A Secondly B Finally C Therefore 3) A In order to B Moreover C All in all 4) A thanks to B because C so 5) A Apart from B However C In addition 6) A because B so C and 7) A Because B But C For this reason 8) A To sum up B Although C For example 9) A moreover B although C due to EXPRESSIONS IMPROVING TEXT COHESION AND COHERENCE Here is an overview of linking expressions within sentences containing a few additional phrases that you may find useful. Study them and add their Czech equivalents. Note when a comma is typically used and when it is not common. (Source: http://dictionary.cambridge.org) Adding information The internet is providing greater access to information that was previously difficult to find. Moreover / Furthermore / In addition / Besides / What is more /Also, it is making communication easier. In addition to / Besides an exam / doing an exam, applicants also had to do an interview. You become less selfish as well as learning how to interact with other people. COMPARING, CONTRASTING The time available for discussion was very limited. However / Nevertheless / Yet, it was still possible to produce some interesting arguments. On the one hand flying is much more convenient than going by train, but on the other hand train travel is often much more interesting. (On the one hand, on the other hand are used to contrast two different ways of looking at an issue.) It is a chaotic and disorganized country, but on the other hand it is a very friendly and beautiful place. (Both things are true about the country.) He did not seem offended by her criticisms; on the contrary, he seemed to enjoy them. (On the contrary is used to emphasize that something is the opposite of something which has been mentioned.) Holistic medicine treats the whole person. In contrast, conventional medicine treats specific symptoms and parts of the body. (In contrast expresses a marked opposition between two ideas.) Both Britain and France agree on the treaty. (Both ...and... emphasise the link between two things.) He works slowly and precisely(,) whereas I tend to rush things and make mistakes. indicating result He passed his examinations; so / therefore / as a result / consequently, he had some good news to tell his parents. Because / Since / As he passed his examination, he had some good news to tell his parents. My suitcase had become damaged on the journey home, so that the lid would not stay closed.