Youtube Exercise » English Grammar Homework

B1-B2

Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

To The Point English with Ben.

267K views 4 years ago

Warm-up Questions

When you want to show a contrast in English, what words do you already use (for example: but, however)?
Where do you usually need more formal “connectors”: in speaking, in writing, or both?
What kinds of exams or writing tasks might require a wider range of linking words?

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Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

Examples and why we have many contrast linkers (00:00 – 01:44)

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1. What is the repeated main idea in the opening examples?

It’s raining, but the cat is not getting wet.
It’s raining and the cat is getting wet.
The cat likes the rain.

2. According to the speaker, why can learning more linkers be useful?

Because we use them a lot in writing for exams, work, or university.
Because they change the meaning completely.
Because native speakers always use them in casual conversation.

3. What does the speaker say he will do in this video?

Explain how and when to use the linkers from the clip.
Tell a story about a cat in the rain.
Teach only pronunciation of connectors.

Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

But, although/even though, and though (01:44 – 03:16)

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1. Where does the speaker say “but” typically goes in a sentence?

Only at the beginning of the sentence
At the end of the sentence
In the middle of the sentence

2. What is the main difference the speaker mentions between “even though” and “although”?

“Even though” is slightly more emphatic/stronger.
“Although” can only be used at the start of a sentence.
They have completely different meanings.

3. How does the speaker describe “though” compared to “even though/although”?

More informal and very versatile in position
More formal and only used in academic writing
Only used to show cause and effect

Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

However/nevertheless, despite/in spite of, and final advice (03:16 – 05:47)

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1. What punctuation does the speaker say should follow “however” or “nevertheless”?

A question mark
No punctuation is needed
A comma

2. What difference does the speaker give between “however” and “nevertheless”?

“However” is only used in speaking.
“Nevertheless” is slightly more formal.
They are opposites.

3. Which structure does the speaker give as an example with “despite”?

despite the fact that it’s raining
despite it rains
despite of it’s raining

Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

Transcript will load here…

1. What is the main purpose of connectors of contrast like “but,” “however,” and “despite”?

To show the order of events in time
To add extra details and examples
To link two ideas that contrast with each other

2. In which context does the speaker say a wide range of linkers is especially useful?

Normal day-to-day conversation
Writing (and also formal presentations/speeches)
Texting friends with slang

3. What is one reason the speaker gives for learning multiple linkers with similar meanings?

To replace all punctuation
To make sentences shorter
To avoid repetition in writing

Discussion Questions

Discuss the ideas from this video

Linking words of contrast in English. Useful English vocabulary – connectors. English grammar.

Which contrast connector do you use most often: but, although/even though, though, however, nevertheless, despite/in spite of? Why?
The speaker says we don’t use many of these linkers “on a day-to-day basis.” Do you agree? Which ones feel natural in conversation?
Write two sentences about your life using (1) even though/although and (2) despite/in spite of. How does the structure change?
In formal writing, how can you avoid repeating “however” too often while still keeping your meaning clear?