Study materials
Three sentences say the same thing, but their linking words differ, and each needs its own structure.
It was raining, but we went out.
A conjunction joins two clauses.
It was raining. However, we went out.
An adverb opens a new sentence.
Despite the rain, we went out.
A preposition comes before a noun.
The meaning is the same, but the grammar differs. This article explains how a conjunction differs from a linking adverb and a preposition, and also the pair on the one hand and on the other hand, whereas, in contrast, on the contrary and besides.
Conjunction, adverb and preposition
Words with the same meaning behave differently depending on whether they are a conjunction, a linking adverb or a preposition.
| Meaning | Conjunction with a clause | Adverb with a new sentence | Preposition with a noun |
|---|---|---|---|
| contrast | but, although | however | despite |
| result | so | therefore | as a result of |
| cause | because, as | for this reason | because of, due to |
It was raining, but we went out.
A conjunction joins two clauses.
It was raining. However, we went out.
An adverb opens a new sentence.
We stayed in because of the rain.
A preposition goes before a noun.
Because of and due to are not followed by a clause with a verb: because of the rain, but because it rained.
Contrast and addition
For two sides of a question there is the pair on the one hand … on the other hand. Whereas and while contrast two parts in one sentence.
On the one hand, the plan is cheap. On the other hand, it is slow.
Two sides.
The first method is fast, whereas the second is accurate.
A contrast in one sentence.
In contrast and by contrast compare two different things. On the contrary means quite the opposite and denies the previous statement: It wasn't easy. On the contrary, it was very hard. Besides means the same as moreover and takes no of.
Common mistakes
The first mistake is however used as a conjunction.
It was raining however we went out. → It was raining, but we went out.
However opens a new sentence.
The second mistake is a clause with a verb after due to.
The flight was cancelled due to it was foggy. → because it was foggy or due to the fog.
Due to goes before a noun.
The third mistake is on the contrary instead of in contrast.
Lviv is old. On the contrary, Kharkiv is younger. → In contrast, Kharkiv is younger.
Two cities are compared, not denied.
The first mistake shows around however. Without a full stop or semicolon before it, the sentence breaks, so but is used. The second shows after due to. If a subject and verb follow, because is needed. The third shows if you ask whether the sentence before is being denied. If not, and two things are only compared, in contrast is needed.