Clauses of Contrast, Purpose, Reason & Result
This lesson groups four key types of subordinate clause that B2 writing relies on: contrast (although), purpose (so that), reason (because/due to) and result (so...that). The challenge is the grammar…
This lesson groups four key types of subordinate clause that B2 writing relies on: contrast (although), purpose (so that), reason (because/due to) and result (so…that). The challenge is the grammar that follows each linker.
Contrast
| Linker | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although / even though / though | + clause (subject + verb) | Although it was late, we continued. |
| despite / in spite of | + noun / -ing | Despite the rain, we went out. |
| however / nevertheless | links two sentences | It was hard. However, we managed. |
despite ≠ althoughDespite / in spite of are followed by a noun or -ing, never a full clause: “Despite being tired” / “Despite the delay.” Although is followed by a subject + verb: “Although he was tired.” To use a clause after despite, add “the fact that”: “Despite the fact that he was tired.”
Purpose, reason & result
| Type | Linkers | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | so that, in order to, to, so as to | She studied so that she would pass. |
| Reason | because, since, as, due to, owing to | We stayed in because it rained. |
| Result | so + adj + that; such + noun + that | It was so cold that we left. |
due to / owing to + noun (like despite): “The delay was due to the weather.” so + adjective; such + (a) + noun: “so tired” / “such a long day.”
Examples from EduCareer
- Although the test was hard, Aisha stayed calm.
- Omar revised daily so that he could improve fast.
- It was such a useful class that everyone stayed late.
Tutor tip for Arabic speakersThe single most tested point: although + sentence, but despite/in spite of + noun or -ing. “Although it rained” ✓ / “Despite the rain” ✓ / “Despite it rained” ✗. And remember so + adjective (so hot) vs such + noun (such heat).
Common mistakes
- Despite it was raining, we went out. → Despite the rain / Although it was raining, we went out.
- It was a so long day. → It was such a long day.
- We left because of it was late. → We left because it was late.
Practise with the 20 questions below.
Check your understanding
Answer the questions below. You will see instantly if you are right.
1."___ the rain, we went for a walk."
+ noun → Despite.
2."___ it was raining, we went for a walk."
+ clause → Although.
3.'Despite' is followed by:
noun or -ing.
4."She revised hard ___ she would pass." (purpose)
purpose → so that.
5."We stayed in ___ it was cold." (reason)
reason → because.
6."It was ___ cold that we left early."
so + adjective.
7."It was ___ a long day that I slept at once."
such + (a) + noun.
8.Which is correct?
despite + noun.
9."___ being tired, she carried on."
+ -ing → Despite.
10."The flight was cancelled ___ the storm." (reason + noun)
due to + noun.
11."He spoke quietly ___ not to wake the baby."
so as (not) to + infinitive = purpose.
12.Which is correct?
such + a + adjective + noun.
13."___, the project succeeded." (after a contrast sentence)
links two sentences → Nevertheless.
14."We left early ___ avoid the traffic."
to + infinitive = purpose.
15.Which is correct?
because + clause.
16."___ his hard work, he didn't get the job."
+ noun phrase → In spite of.
17."The food was ___ delicious that we ordered more."
so + adjective.
18."___ the fact that he was ill, he worked."
despite the fact that + clause.
19."They were ___ kind people that we felt at home."
such + noun (people).
20."___ the heavy rain, the match continued."
contrast + noun → In spite of.
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