Languages › English as a Second Language Contrasting Ideas Share Flipboard Email Print Caiaimage/Sam Edwards/Getty Images English as a Second Language Grammar Pronunciation & Conversation Vocabulary Writing Skills Reading Comprehension Business English Resources for Teachers By Kenneth Beare Kenneth Beare English as a Second Language (ESL) Expert TESOL Diploma, Trinity College London M.A., Music Performance, Cologne University of Music B.A., Vocal Performance, Eastman School of Music Kenneth Beare is an English as a Second Language (ESL) teacher and course developer with over three decades of teaching experience. Learn about our Editorial Process Updated on January 15, 2020 There are a number of formulas used when contrasting ideas in English. Here are some of the most common: We'd love to stay for dinner, but we have got to get going.They decided to stay in the area, in spite of their problems with the local residents.Despite the difficulties of a long journey, Peter decided to visit India.Getting a good job is hard work, however, most people eventually find one with patience.There were a number of people who came, although the hotels were not equipped to handle them all. After you study these constructions, take the contrasting ideas quiz to check your understanding. Construction Formula Example Explanation the main statement, but contrasting statement I'd really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight. Use a comma or semicolon (;) with 'but'. 'But' is the most common way to show contrasting ideas. the main statement, in spite of contrasting statement OR in spite of contrasting statement, main statement They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain. Use 'in spite of' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund the main statement, despite contrasting statement OR Despite the contrasting statement, main statement They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain. Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund the main statement, although contrasting statement OR Although contrasting statement, main statement We wanted to buy a sports car, although we knew that fast cars can be dangerous. Use 'although' with a subject and a verb. Cite this Article Format mla apa chicago Your Citation Beare, Kenneth. "Contrasting Ideas." ThoughtCo, Aug. 27, 2020, thoughtco.com/how-to-contrast-ideas-1211123. Beare, Kenneth. (2020, August 27). Contrasting Ideas. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-contrast-ideas-1211123 Beare, Kenneth. "Contrasting Ideas." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-contrast-ideas-1211123 (accessed March 28, 2023). copy citation By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies