280+ Clauses of Contrast Examples for Learners

A clause of contrast is an adverb clause that states a fact in contrast with the main clause and begins with although, though or even though, as in although it was cold, we swam. Clauses of contrast examples also use while and whereas, and the phrases despite and in spite of express the same contrast.

What Is a Clause of Contrast?

A clause of contrast is a dependent clause that states a fact opposite to, or unexpected beside, the main clause. It is called concessive when it states an obstacle, as with although, and contrastive when it compares two facts, as with whereas. A clause of purpose differs because it states a goal, not an opposing fact.

Although + subject + verb, main clause = contrast

We finished the hike although the path was steep.

Common Clauses of Contrast Examples

Although it was cold and even though she was tired are clauses that state a fact opposite to the main clause, and each is a type of adverb clause. Goal clauses are a separate type, covered in clauses of purpose.

• Although it was cold, we swam in the lake.
• Zainab kept working, even though she was tired.
• Although the neighbours were loud, the baby slept soundly.
• Hamid likes spicy food, whereas his sister prefers mild dishes.
• Though the plan looked risky, the council approved it.
• While Nia loves winter, her brother hates the cold.
• However loud the music was, the baby kept sleeping.
• No matter how late it gets, Ana never skips her walk.
• Whatever you decide, we will support you.
• We will start the match even if it rains.
• Priya finished the race, even though her ankle was injured.
• Luis passed the exam, although he had hardly studied.
• They travelled widely, although they had little money.
• Much as I admire her work, I disagree with her conclusion.
• Mei smiled, though her feet ached.
• Whereas the plains are hot, the mountains stay cool.
• Even though the shop was closed, a few customers waited outside.
• Although Dmitri is only twelve, he plays chess like a champion.
• Though the flight was delayed, Gabriel enjoyed the trip.
• Fatima arrived on time, although her alarm had failed.

Contrast Clause Examples With Although

Although introduces a clause of contrast and is followed by a subject and a verb, as in although the soup was cold, Nia ate every spoonful.

• Although the soup was cold, Nia ate every spoonful.
• Although Hana trained daily, she missed the qualifying time.
• Kofi forgave his brother, although the damage was serious.
• Although it was midnight, the market was still busy.
• The bridge stayed open, although engineers had warned of cracks.
• Although Priya had never sung in public, she won the contest.
• We enjoyed the trip, although the hotel was noisy.
• Although the film is long, nobody leaves early.
• Although Tomas spoke softly, everyone heard him.
• Mei loves her village, although it has no cinema.
• Although the rent is high, the flat is worth it.
• Aiko stayed calm, although the pilot announced a delay.
• Although they lost the final, the players received a warm welcome.
• The sauce tastes rich, although it contains no cream.

Contrast Clause Examples With Though

Though has the same meaning as although and is a little less formal, as in though the road was steep, the cyclists enjoyed the climb.

• Though the road was steep, the cyclists enjoyed the climb.
• Rahul smiled politely, though he disliked the gift.
• Though Ingrid is shy, she gives confident speeches.
• The coffee was strong, though it tasted sweet.
• Though the forecast promised sun, the afternoon stayed grey.
• Olu kept the secret, though it was hard.
• Though they had little money, the family shared everything.
• The old car still runs, though its paint has faded.
• Though Lina was nervous, she answered every question.
• I trust him, though I have known him only a month.

Contrast Clause Examples With Even Though

Even though adds emphasis to a fact that is true and surprising, as in even though she was ill, Camila came to the match.

• Even though she was ill, Camila came to the match.
• Kofi walked to school, even though it was pouring.
• Even though the exam was difficult, Hana finished early.
• Sven bought the ticket, even though the price had doubled.
• Even though the team was losing, the fans kept singing.
• Nia still loves swimming, even though she once nearly drowned.
• Even though the room was freezing, the guests refused to leave.
• Tomas laughed, even though the joke was old.
• Even though Mei lives abroad, she calls her mother daily.
• The shop stayed open, even though the power failed.

Contrast Clause Examples With While, Whereas and Whilst

While, whereas and the British whilst compare two facts, as in whereas Luis prefers tea, Ana prefers coffee.

• Whereas Luis prefers tea, Ana prefers coffee.
• While the east coast enjoys sunshine, the west coast is cloudy.
• Hamid is generous, while his cousin is careful with money.
• Zainab speaks four languages, whereas her husband speaks only one.
• Whilst some critics praised the film, others found it dull.
• Rice grows well here, while wheat needs a cooler climate.
• While Sven enjoys crowds, his sister prefers quiet places.
• The first design is cheap, whereas the second is built to last.
• Whilst the city is noisy, the village is peaceful.
• Dmitri studies at night, while Olga studies at dawn.
• While most students prefer mornings, a few work best at night.
• Summer is long in the south, whereas it lasts only weeks in the north.
• Whereas Kofi forgot his coat, Mei brought two.
• Priya writes with her left hand, while her twin writes with her right.

Contrast Clause Examples With However and an Adjective or Adverb

However before an adjective or adverb introduces a clause meaning to whatever degree, as in however hard Tomas tried and however tired she was. It differs from the conjunctive adverb that follows a semicolon.

• However hard Tomas tried, he could not lift the box.
• However tired she was, Zainab finished the report.
• We will pay for the repairs however much they cost.
• However carefully Mei packed, the vase broke in transit.
• However fast the cyclists rode, the storm was faster.
• However strange it sounds, the story is true.
• I will wait however late the train arrives.
• However many times Omar apologised, his sister stayed angry.
• Dad grows enough vegetables for the street however small the garden is.
• However quietly Ana spoke, the whole room heard her.

Contrast Clause Examples With No Matter How, What and Where

No matter with how, what, where, who or when has the same meaning as the -ever words, as in no matter how hard it rains and no matter what Kofi says.

• No matter how hard it rains, the market opens at six.
• No matter what Kofi says, nobody believes him.
• Sven sends a postcard no matter where he goes.
• No matter who calls, tell them I am out.
• The door will be open no matter when you arrive.
• No matter how many times Hana failed, she kept trying.
• Grandpa kept smoking no matter what the doctor advised.
• No matter how expensive the tickets are, the stadium sells out.
• No matter which road we take, we will pass the lake.
• The goalkeeper stayed focused no matter how loudly the crowd cheered.

Contrast Clause Examples With Whatever, Whoever and Wherever

Whatever, whoever, whichever and wherever introduce clauses meaning no matter what, who, which or where, as in whatever happens tomorrow and wherever the path leads.

• Whatever happens tomorrow, Dmitri will remain calm.
• Wherever the path leads, the hikers will follow it.
• Whoever wins the vote, the school will hold a party.
• Whichever route Luis chooses, the trip takes three hours.
• Whoever he is, he has no right to enter.
• Whatever the reason was, the team deserved better.
• Whichever dress Fatima wears, she looks elegant.
• Whatever Omar cooks, the children eat it happily.
• Wherever Ingrid travels, she makes friends.
• Whatever limitations the method has, it produced reliable results.

Contrast Clause Examples With Even If

Even if introduces a possible or imagined fact that would not change the main clause, as in even if it rains, the match will go ahead. A clause with even if takes no comma when it ends the sentence.

• Even if it rains, the match will go ahead.
• Tomas will climb the hill even if the others stay behind.
• Even if Ana wins the prize, she will keep working at the bakery.
• I would not sell the house even if you doubled the offer.
• Even if the bus is late, we will still reach the airport on time.
• Kofi will attend the wedding even if he has to travel overnight.
• Even if the doctor says no, Grandma will plan the trip.
• The shop will stay open even if there are no customers.
• Even if Mei had known the answer, she would have stayed silent.
• We will walk home even if the snow gets deeper.

Contrast Phrase Examples With Despite and In Spite Of and a Noun

A phrase such as despite the heavy traffic or in spite of the strong wind states the same contrast as a clause but takes a noun, not a subject and a verb. Despite is not followed by of.

• Despite the heavy traffic, we reached the airport early.
• In spite of the strong wind, the boats left the harbour.
• Hamid went to work despite a high fever.
• In spite of the rain, thousands attended the parade.
• The team won despite several mistakes.
• Despite their differences, the two brothers run the shop together.
• Camila passed the test in spite of her nerves.
• Despite years of training, Sven failed to qualify.
• The museum stayed open despite the flood warning.
• In spite of his age, Grandfather climbs the hill daily.
• Nia smiled bravely despite her disappointment.
• Despite the late hour, the library was crowded.

Contrast Phrase Examples With Despite and In Spite Of and an -ing Form

Despite and in spite of also take an -ing form, as in despite feeling ill and in spite of working nights. An -ing form with no subject of its own shares the subject of the main clause.

• Despite feeling ill, Omar went to work.
• In spite of working nights, Lina earned her degree.
• Kofi kept running despite hurting his knee.
• Despite being the youngest player, Mei captained the team.
• The shop made a profit in spite of selling fewer goods.
• In spite of having studied all week, Tomas felt unprepared.
• Hana laughed loudly despite being embarrassed.
• Despite living in Oslo for ten years, Ingrid still misses Lagos.
• Dmitri finished the report in spite of being interrupted twice.
• Despite not speaking the language, Aiko made friends quickly.

Contrast Clauses With Despite the Fact That

Despite the fact that and in spite of the fact that join a full clause to the main clause, as in despite the fact that the road was flooded. In both forms, despite or in spite of is followed by the fact that and then a full clause.

• Despite the fact that the road was flooded, the bus kept running.
• In spite of the fact that he trained daily, Luis lost the race.
• The festival went ahead despite the fact that it was raining.
• Zainab stayed calm in spite of the fact that the room was crowded.
• Despite the fact that prices had risen, sales improved.
• The pilot landed safely despite the fact that one engine had failed.
• In spite of the fact that she was new, Priya led the meeting.
• Rahul kept the job despite the fact that the pay was low.

Contrast Clauses Beside Contrast Phrases

An although clause and a despite phrase state the same contrast, as in although she was tired and despite her tiredness.

• Although the rain was heavy, we played. We played despite the heavy rain.
• Although she was tired, Ana smiled. Ana smiled despite her tiredness.
• Even though the pay is low, Hamid loves the job. Hamid loves the job in spite of the low pay.
• Although Tomas felt nervous, he spoke. In spite of his nerves, Tomas spoke.
• Though the lake was cold, the children swam. The children swam despite the cold water.
• Although Mei has a cough, she sings. Mei sings despite having a cough.
• Although the road was closed, the van got through. Despite the closed road, the van got through.
• Even though Kofi was injured, he finished. Kofi finished despite his injury.

Contrast Clauses Compared With But Sentences

An although clause and a sentence with but express the same contrast, as in although the food was cheap, it tasted excellent and the food was cheap, but it tasted excellent.

• Although the food was cheap, it tasted excellent. The food was cheap, but it tasted excellent.
• Although Nia studied hard, she failed the test. Nia studied hard, but she failed the test.
• Though the hotel was old, the rooms were spotless. The hotel was old, but the rooms were spotless.
• Although Omar apologised, his sister stayed angry. Omar apologised, but his sister stayed angry.
• Even though the film was long, nobody left. The film was long, but nobody left.
• Although it was windy, the boats sailed. It was windy, but the boats sailed.
• Although Ingrid lives alone, she is never lonely. Ingrid lives alone, but she is never lonely.
• Though Rahul was late, the teacher let him in. Rahul was late, but the teacher let him in.

Contrast Clause Examples at the Start of a Sentence

A contrast clause at the start of a sentence, such as although the sun was shining or whereas Kofi saves every coin, is followed by a comma. The pattern is covered in complex sentence examples.

• Although the sun was shining, the wind was bitter.
• While Ana likes opera, her husband prefers jazz.
• Though Hamid was exhausted, he helped everyone pack.
• Even though the bus was full, the driver let us on.
• Whereas Kofi saves every coin, his brother spends freely.
• Although the tickets were expensive, the hall was full.
• Though it was already dark, the children kept playing.
• Even if the tide is high, the ferry will sail.
• Much as Dmitri wanted to stay, he had a train to catch.
• However busy the week was, Fatima called her mother.

Contrast Clause Examples at the End of a Sentence

A contrast clause that adds an opposing fact at the end of a sentence is set off by a comma, as in the harvest was good, although the spring had been dry. The exception is even if.

• The harvest was good, although the spring had been dry.
• Omar enjoyed the course, though the lessons started at dawn.
• Sven bought the car, even though it needed repairs.
• The older sister is quiet, whereas the younger one never stops talking.
• Nia kept smiling, although her shoes were soaked.
• We admired the painting, though nobody understood it.
• The students went on strike, even though the exams were near.
• Hana is learning Greek, while her brother studies Latin.
• Priya won the prize, although she had entered at the last minute.
• The shop makes a profit, whilst its rivals struggle.

Contrast Clause Examples in the Middle of a Sentence

A contrast clause in the middle of a sentence is set between two commas, as in my sister, although she is younger, is taller than I am and Tomas, though he was nervous, spoke clearly.

• My sister, although she is younger, is taller than I am.
• The proposal, even though the committee disliked it, passed by one vote.
• Tomas, though he was nervous, spoke clearly.
• The road, although it is narrow, carries heavy traffic.
• Our team, while it was smaller, played with more energy.
• The plan, whatever flaws it has, deserves a trial.

Contrast Clause Examples in Questions

A contrast clause follows the main question, as in did Ana win the race although she was injured and do you still swim even though it is winter.

• Did Ana win the race although she was injured?
• Do you still swim even though it is winter?
• Will the match go ahead even if it snows?
• Is Hamid happy although he works long hours?
• Did Zainab sign the contract though she had doubts?
• Why did Sven buy the ticket though he never attends concerts?
• Does Mei sing well although she has never had lessons?
• Did the pilot land although the fog was thick?

Contrast Clause Examples in Negative Sentences

The negative word is in the main clause or in the contrast clause, as in Tomas did not complain, although the soup was cold and although nobody invited her, Lina joined the party.

• Tomas did not complain, although the soup was cold.
• Although nobody invited her, Lina joined the party.
• The shop never closes even if the weather is bad.
• Though Omar had not slept, he led the meeting.
• Mei did not give up despite her many failures.
• Although the team did not score, the coach praised their effort.
• Kofi has not called, even though he promised.
• Nobody left the hall although the air was stifling.

Contrast Clauses in Reported Speech and Passive Sentences

A contrast clause is used in reported speech and in passive sentences, as in Karim said that he enjoyed the film, although it was long and the bridge was reopened although some cracks remained.

• Karim said that he enjoyed the film, although it was long.
• The match was played even though a storm was forecast.
• Ingrid explained that she would go, even though she was afraid.
• The bridge was reopened although some cracks remained.
• The mayor insisted that the festival would continue whatever it cost.
• The winners were announced, although the judges had disagreed.
• Nadia told us that the road stays open even if snow falls.
• It was reported that the rescue continued although darkness had fallen.

Contrast Clause Examples at Home

A small kitchen and an old oven are household conditions paired with an opposing fact in although the kitchen is small and even though the oven is old.

• Although the kitchen is small, Mum cooks for twenty guests.
• Dad fixed the leak, even though he dislikes plumbing.
• Although it was freezing, Lina hung the washing outside.
• The cat sleeps on the sofa, although we bought it a basket.
• Whatever the weather is, Grandfather waters the garden at dawn.
• Our flat is tiny, whereas the balcony is huge.
• Even though the oven is old, it bakes perfect bread.
• The twins slept soundly, though the street was noisy.

Contrast Clause Examples at School

Hard exams, noisy classes and small libraries each come with an opposing fact in school life, as in although the exam was hard and even though the class was noisy.

• Although the exam was hard, most pupils passed.
• Kofi enjoys history, whereas Nia prefers science.
• Although their bags were heavy, the pupils climbed the stairs cheerfully.
• The teacher stayed calm, even though the class was noisy.
• Though the library is small, it has thousands of books.
• However much homework Mei had, she finished it.
• Pupils wore uniforms even though the room was hot.
• While some pupils walk, others take the bus.

Clauses of Contrast Examples at Work

Tight deadlines, long hours and falling markets are office conditions paired with an opposing outcome, as in although the deadline was tight and even though the market shrank.

• Although the deadline was tight, the team delivered on time.
• Camila accepted the offer, though the salary was lower.
• Although the hours are long, Hamid enjoys the job.
• The company grew, even though the market shrank.
• No matter how busy the office is, Ingrid answers every email.
• The manager praised the plan, whereas the director rejected it.
• Whatever the client asks, the designer stays polite.
• Though three delays occurred, the project finished early.

Clauses of Contrast Examples in Travel

A late train, a noisy hotel and a rough sea are travel problems paired with an opposing outcome, as in although the train was late and even though the sea was rough.

• Although the train was late, we reached the concert in time.
• The tour was a success, though the bus broke down twice.
• Although his luggage was heavy, Rahul walked to the station.
• The ferry sailed, even though the sea was rough.
• Wherever Sven travels, he buys a local cookbook.
• Whilst the guide spoke fluent English, the driver knew only a few words.
• No matter how crowded the market was, Fatima found the stall.
• We stayed another night although the price was high.

Contrast Clauses in the News

Talks without agreement, rising prices and storms ignored by crowds are reported through clauses such as although talks continued all night and though heavy rain fell.

• Although talks continued all night, no agreement was reached.
• Prices rose, even though demand fell.
• Although a storm warning had been issued, thousands attended the parade.
• The minister denied the claim, whereas the report confirmed it.
• Whatever the court decides, the case will draw attention.
• Unemployment fell, though wages stayed flat.
• Though heavy rain fell, rescue teams searched all night.
• Even if the vote is close, the result will stand.

Clauses of Contrast Examples in Literature

A deserted castle with a lit tower, a knight on a lame horse and a smiling widow with wet eyes are scenes from invented fiction, and each scene contains an opposing fact.

• Although the castle looked deserted, a candle burned in the tower.
• The knight rode on, even though his horse was lame.
• Although the villagers gave warnings, the sailor sailed into the storm.
• However bravely the villagers fought, the dragon would not yield.
• The widow smiled, though her eyes were wet.
• No matter where the stranger wandered, the shadow followed him.
• Whereas the prince loved music, his brother loved the sword.
• The minstrel sang on, though the king was angry.

Clauses of Contrast Examples in Sports

A team behind at half time and a runner with aching legs are match moments that include a contrast, as in although our team trailed at half time and even though his legs ached.

• Although our team trailed at half time, we won in the end.
• Luis kept running, even though his legs ached.
• Though she started late, Nia took the lead.
• Whereas the home side attacked, the visitors defended deep.
• However fast the runner started, the champion caught her.
• The coach stayed positive, though the score was against us.
• No matter how hard the referee blew his whistle, the crowd kept singing.
• They played on even though it rained.

Clauses of Contrast Examples in Health

A sore arm after a vaccine, a bitter medicine and a patient with a fever are clinic situations. Each is paired with an opposing fact, as in although the vaccine hurt a little and although he had a fever.

• Although the vaccine hurt a little, the children stayed calm.
• Hana kept exercising, even though her knee hurt.
• Although he had a fever, Omar attended the meeting.
• The medicine tastes bitter, though it works quickly.
• Whatever the doctor advises, Grandpa follows it carefully.
• Though Ingrid ate well, she felt weak.
• No matter how tired he is, Tomas takes his medicine.
• The clinic stayed open, although several nurses were ill.

Contrast Clause Examples for Kids

Playing in the rain, sliding while scared and hugging a wet dog are everyday moments for a child, and each includes an opposing fact such as although it was raining or though I was scared.

• Although it was raining, we played outside.
• Though I was scared, I went down the slide.
• My sister likes cats, whereas I like dogs.
• We went to the park, even though it was cold.
• Though the grass was wet, we had a picnic.
• Although Dad was tired, he read us a story.
• I finished the soup, although it was hot.
• Even though the dog was wet, Ben hugged him.
• Mia smiled even though her knee was sore.
• Although the bus was late, we got to school on time.

Short Contrast Clauses for Young Learners

Short sentences such as although it rained, I played and I ran, although I fell let beginners practise contrast with very few words.

• Although it rained, I played.
• I ran, although I fell.
• Though it’s dark, I read.
• I jumped even though it hurt.
• Cats nap, whereas dogs run.
• Though it was wet, we played.
• We sang though we were tired.
• Although he’s small, he’s brave.

Clauses of Contrast Examples for Students

Essay and exam answers use longer contrast clauses, such as although industrial output rose and whereas the first study used interviews, with formal vocabulary and precise subjects.

• Although industrial output rose, real wages declined during the decade.
• The policy was popular, even though economists criticised its cost.
• Whereas the first study used interviews, the second relied on surveys.
• Despite the fact that the data were incomplete, the authors reached a firm conclusion.
• However persuasive the argument appears, it ignores the central evidence.
• No matter how carefully the sample is chosen, some bias remains.
• The novel ends on a hopeful note, although its tone is largely bleak.
• Although criticism was widespread, the reform passed with a majority.
• Much as historians admire the leader, they question his methods.
• Although the experiment succeeded, the researchers urged caution.

Contrast Clauses in Short Passages

Three short passages about a hike, a bakery and a football match use contrast clauses and phrases of different kinds, so learners see them in connected writing.

Although the morning was cold, the hikers set out at six. The path was steep, though the view made every step worthwhile. Despite their tired legs, they reached the lake by noon, whereas the second group stopped halfway.

Hamid’s bakery is tiny, although it supplies half the street. However early he starts, customers are already waiting. Even though the ovens are old, the bread is always perfect. No matter how many loaves he bakes, they sell out by nine.

Although our team was smaller, we played with great energy. While the other side kept the ball, our defenders stayed calm. Despite the rain, nobody left early, and even if we had lost, the crowd would have cheered.

Contrast Clause Mistakes to Avoid

The errors in this group are a doubled connector, a wrong use of of, a clause after despite, a fragment, an -ing form with the wrong subject, and a comma splice with however.

❌ Although it was raining, but we played football.

✅ Although it was raining, we played football.

Although and but both express contrast, so a sentence uses one of them to join the pair of clauses.

❌ Despite of the rain, we played football.

✅ Despite the rain, we played football.

Despite is not followed by of, but the longer phrase in spite of includes of.

❌ Despite that she was late, she got in.

✅ Although she was late, she got in.

Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form, so a full clause needs although or despite the fact that.

❌ In spite the rain, we played football.

✅ In spite of the rain, we played football.

The phrase in spite of needs its of before the noun.

❌ Although it was cold. We swam in the lake.

✅ Although it was cold, we swam in the lake.

The first group of words begins with although, so it is a dependent clause and is a fragment when it stands alone.

❌ Despite being tired, the work continued until midnight.

✅ Despite being tired, the workers continued until midnight.

An -ing form after despite has the subject of the main clause, and work does not get tired, so the subject must be the workers.

❌ He is rich, however he is unhappy.

✅ He is rich; however, he is unhappy.

However as a conjunctive adverb needs a semicolon or a period before it and a comma after it, because a comma alone creates a comma splice.

Contrast Clause and Contrast Phrase Comparison

Both forms state a fact opposite to the main clause. A contrast clause such as although it rained has a subject and a verb, while a contrast phrase such as despite the rain has a noun or an -ing form.

Related

• Adverb Clause Examples
• Conjunctive Adverbs Example Sentences
• Clauses of Purpose Examples
• Complex Sentence Examples
• Dependent Clause Examples
• Subordinating Conjunction Example Sentences
• Time Clause Examples

FAQs

Q1. What is the difference between although and though?

Although and though have the same meaning, but though is slightly less formal and is also able to end a sentence as an adverb, as in It was cold; we swam, though. Although it was cold, we swam and though it was cold, we swam are both correct.

Q2. Are although and but used together in one sentence?

Although and but are not used together to join the same two clauses, so although it was cold, but we swam is a mistake. Either word alone states the contrast, as in although it was cold, we swam or it was cold, but we swam.

Q3. What is the difference between although and despite?

Although introduces a full clause with a subject and a verb, while despite introduces a noun or an -ing form. Although it rained, we played and despite the rain, we played state the same contrast. The phrase despite the fact that is used when a writer needs despite with a full clause.

Q4. Is despite of correct English?

Despite of is not correct in standard English, because despite is not followed by of. The correct forms are despite the rain and in spite of the rain. The word of occurs only in the longer phrase in spite of.

Q5. What is the difference between even though and even if?

Even though introduces a fact that is true, as in even though she was ill, she came, while even if introduces a possible or imagined fact, as in even if it rains, we will go. The first refers to something known, and the second refers to an open possibility. A clause with even if takes no comma when it ends the sentence.

Q6. When is while used for contrast?

While expresses contrast when it compares two facts, as in while Ana likes opera, her husband prefers jazz. The same word expresses time in while I cooked, he read, so the meaning depends on the rest of the sentence. Whereas has no time meaning in standard English.

Q7. What is the difference between whereas and while?

Whereas and while both compare two facts, but whereas is more formal and has no time meaning. Whilst is a British formal variant of while. All three take a subject and a verb, and a comma follows the clause when it opens the sentence.

Q8. How does however work before an adjective?

However before an adjective or adverb introduces a clause meaning to whatever degree, as in however hard Tomas tried, he could not lift the box. The adjective or adverb comes right after however, and the subject and verb follow. This differs from the conjunctive adverb however, which follows a semicolon, as covered in conjunctive adverbs.

Q9. Do you put a comma after an although clause?

A comma follows an although clause that opens a sentence, as in Although it was cold, we swam. A contrast clause that adds an opposing fact at the end of a sentence is set off by a comma, as in We swam, although it was cold. The exception is even if, which is a conditional clause and takes no comma when it ends the sentence.

Q10. What does no matter how mean?

No matter how introduces a contrast clause with the meaning of however, as in no matter how late it gets, Ana never skips her walk. The same pattern is formed with what, where, who, when and which. Each no matter form matches an -ever word, such as whatever and wherever.

Q11. Where is a contrast clause placed in a sentence?

A contrast clause is placed at the start, in the middle or at the end of a sentence. At the start it is followed by a comma, in the middle it is set between two commas, and at the end it takes a comma before it. The meaning stays the same in all three positions.

Q12. What is the difference between however and although?

However as a conjunctive adverb joins two sentences and follows a semicolon, while although is a subordinating conjunction that joins a dependent clause to a main clause. It was cold; however, we swam and although it was cold, we swam mean the same. A comma alone before however creates a comma splice.

Q13. Is despite followed by a clause?

Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by a subject and a verb, so despite she was tired is a mistake. A full clause needs despite the fact that or although. The corrected forms are despite being tired and although she was tired.