B2 CLAUSES OF CONTRAST
Explicación
Tower Languages
Online Learning is Today
Created by Julio Ángel R. — Bilingual Educator
Clauses of Contrast, Purpose, Reason & Result
B2 Grammar Guide
📌 What is this guide about?
🔵 1. Clauses of Contrast
At B2 level, learners must be able to connect ideas logically and accurately. English uses different linking words depending on whether we want to express contrast, purpose, reason, or result. Some structures require a full clause (subject + verb), others need a noun or -ing form — understanding the difference is essential.
1️⃣
Contrast
although · despite · however · yet · whereas
2️⃣
Purpose
to · in order to · so that · in case
3️⃣
Reason
because · as · since · due to
4️⃣
Result
so · therefore · as a result · consequently
Contrast Connectors
although · even though · however · yet · despite · in spite of · while · whereas
Although / Even though
+ clause
although + subject + verb
even though + subject + verb
Even though expresses stronger contrast or surprise.
Although it was raining, we went hiking.
She took the job even though the salary was low.
Although he studied hard, he didn't pass.
⚠️ Common Error
Although it was late, but we continued.
✅ Although it was late, we continued.
However / Yet
sentence connector
Sentence. However, sentence.
Sentence; however, sentence.
Sentence, yet + clause.
However is formal, used between independent clauses. Yet is similar to "but" in formal/written English.
The plan seemed perfect. However, it failed.
He wanted to join; however, he lacked experience.
The task was difficult, yet she completed it.
He is inexperienced, yet very talented.
Despite / In spite of
+ noun / -ing
despite + noun
in spite of + noun / -ing
despite the fact that + clause
Despite the rain, the event continued.
In spite of feeling tired, she kept working.
Despite the fact that he apologised, she was upset.
⚠️ Watch out
Do NOT use a full clause directly after despite — you need "the fact that" first.
Despite he apologised, she was upset. ✅ Despite the fact that he apologised…
Despite he apologised, she was upset. ✅ Despite the fact that he apologised…
While / Whereas
direct contrast
while + clause (less formal)
whereas + clause (more formal)
Used to contrast two different ideas or situations directly.
While some prefer home working, others enjoy the office.
He is outgoing, whereas his brother is reserved.
Purpose Connectors
to · in order to · so as to · so that · for · in case
To / In order to / So as to
+ infinitive
to + base verb
in order to + base verb
so as to + base verb
In order to and so as to are more formal than plain to.
She left early to avoid traffic.
She whispered in order to avoid waking the baby.
He moved abroad so as to gain international experience.
So that
+ clause with modal
so that + subject + can / could / will / would
Used when the purpose involves another person or a modal verb is needed.
I explained clearly so that they could understand.
She left a note so that colleagues would know.
For + noun
purpose with a noun
for + noun
This tool is for cutting metal.
She bought flowers for her mother.
In case
precaution
in case + subject + present/past simple
Used to prepare for a possible future situation.
Take an umbrella in case it rains.
I saved money in case I lose my job.
⚠️ Watch out
In case ≠ because. It means "as a precaution for a possible situation".
Reason Connectors
because · as · since · because of · due to · owing to · on account of
Because
+ clause (strongest)
because + subject + verb
The most common and direct way to give a reason.
She stayed home because she was ill.
We cancelled it because the manager was absent.
As / Since
+ clause (formal)
as + subject + verb
since + subject + verb
More formal than because. The reason is often already known.
Since you're here, we can start.
As it was getting late, we decided to leave.
Because of
+ noun / -ing
because of + noun
because of + verb-ing
The flight was delayed because of bad weather.
He missed work because of feeling unwell.
Due to · Owing to · On account of
formal + noun
due to + noun
owing to + noun / -ing
on account of + noun
All three are formal. Common in academic and professional writing.
Cancelled due to technical issues.
Owing to heavy traffic, we arrived late.
Postponed on account of the storm.
Result Connectors
so · as a result · consequently · therefore · for this reason
So
clause, so + clause
clause, so + clause
The most common result connector. Informal/neutral register.
It was raining, so we stayed inside.
She worked hard, so she passed the exam.
As a result / Consequently
sentence connector · formal
Sentence. As a result, sentence.
Sentence; consequently, sentence.
The company lost clients. As a result, profits declined.
The road was blocked; consequently, traffic was delayed.
Therefore
formal · logical result
Sentence; therefore, sentence.
Common in academic and professional writing to show logical conclusions.
He didn't prepare; therefore, he failed.
The evidence is clear; therefore, we must act.
For this reason
formal · between sentences
Sentence. For this reason, sentence.
The data was incomplete. For this reason, the report was postponed.
The project exceeded the budget. For this reason, it was reviewed.
| Connector | 🔵 Contrast | 🟢 Purpose | 🟡 Reason | 🩷 Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| + Subject + Verb (clause) | although · even though · while · whereas · however | so that · in case | because · as · since | so · therefore · as a result |
| + Noun | despite · in spite of | for | because of · due to · owing to | — |
| + Verb -ing | despite · in spite of | — | because of · owing to | — |
| + Infinitive (to + verb) | — | to · in order to · so as to | — | — |
Although / Even though — never combine with "but" in the same clause. Even though = stronger contrast or surprise.
Despite / In spite of — always followed by a noun or -ing, NOT a full clause. Use "the fact that" + clause if needed.
Due to / Because of — both followed by a noun, not a clause. Because alone takes a full clause.
So (result) ≠ so that (purpose). "It rained, so we stayed." vs "We brought coats so that we'd be warm."
Punctuation matters: However, therefore, as a result, consequently — always followed by a comma when starting a clause.
Formal connectors (therefore, consequently, owing to, whereas) are common in academic and professional writing.
🧠 Quick Tip — Ask yourself this before choosing a connector
🔵Am I showing opposition? → Use although / despite / however / whereas
🟢Am I explaining a goal or intention? → Use to / in order to / so that / in case
🟡Am I giving a reason or cause? → Use because / since / due to / because of
🩷Am I showing a consequence? → Use so / as a result / therefore / consequently
📌Does my connector need a noun or a full clause? → Check the structure required before writing
Ejercicio 1
Tower Languages
Online Learning is Today
Created by Julio Ángel R. — Bilingual Educator
B2 — Clauses of Contrast, Purpose, Reason & Result
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Instrucción: Choose the correct linking word or phrase to complete each sentence. Each question is labelled with its clause type to help you focus!
🔵 CONTRAST
although · despite · however · yet · whereas · while
🟢 PURPOSE
to · in order to · so that · in case
🟡 REASON
because · as · since · because of · due to
🩷 RESULT
so · therefore · as a result · for this reason
1
🟢 Purpose
Many companies have adopted remote work policies
employees can achieve a better work-life balance.
2
🟡 Reason
The app became extremely popular,
it offers advanced features for free.
3
🔵 Contrast
the high cost of living, many young professionals continue to move to big cities.
4
🩷 Result
Electric cars are becoming more affordable;
, more people are considering buying them.
5
🔵 Contrast
Some people prefer online shopping,
others still enjoy going to physical stores.
6
🟢 Purpose
The government introduced new regulations
reduce carbon emissions.
7
🟢 Purpose
Many students use artificial intelligence tools
complete their assignments more efficiently.
8
🔵 Contrast
social media can connect people worldwide, it can also negatively affect mental health.
9
🟡 Reason
The event was postponed
unexpected technical problems during the live stream.
10
🟢 Purpose
Start saving money now
you need financial support in the future.
11
🩷 Result
The company invested heavily in cybersecurity;
, it managed to prevent major data breaches.
12
🔵 Contrast
Online courses are flexible and accessible;
, they require a high level of self-discipline.
Check Answers ✓
Ejercicio 2
Tower Languages
Online Learning is Today
Created by Julio Ángel R. — Bilingual Educator
B2 Clauses — Global Topics Exercise
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Instrucción: Choose the correct option for the clauses of contrast, purpose, reason and result. Each card shows the clause type to guide you.
🔵 CONTRAST
although · despite · however · yet · whereas · while
🟢 PURPOSE
to · in order to · so that · in case
🟡 REASON
because · as · since · because of · due to
🩷 RESULT
so · therefore · as a result · for this reason
Check Answers ✓