Although, though, even though, whereas, while are subordinating conjunctions used to introduce adverb clause of contrast. This clause expresses contrast to the earlier statement or main clause.
Adverb clause of contrast is introduced by subordinating conjunctions of contrast such as though, although, and even though to express opposite or contrasting idea to the earlier main clause.
Although these conjunctions are used to express same surprising or unexpected ideas, they can be differentiated on the basis degree of surprise. So, proper understanding of though, although, and even though is utmost important.
Understanding adverb clause of contrast
Adverb clause of contrast is introduced by though, although, and even though subordinating conjunctions of contrast. Whereas and while are also introduce adverb clause of contrast.
- Though– weak contrast
- Although– strong contrast
- Eventhough – strongest contrast
All the above subordinating conjunctions of contrast have different meaning and roles. “Though conjunction” is used to express weaker contrast.
While “Although” is used for strong contrast. And, “Even though”, is used to express strongest contrast compare to though and although.
Explaining subordinating conjunctions of contrast
As I stated earlier that Although, though, even though, whereas, and while are major subordinating conjunctions of contrast. These introduce adverb clause of contrast.
All these subordinators have more or less same meaning but difference in degree of surprise. the hidden meaning of these conjunctions is “In spite of” or “despite that”.
Basic structure of adverb clause of contrast
Though/although/even though/whereas/while + clause clause of contrast + comma + main clause.
There is no major change in the meaning and role of all the subordinating conjunctions for contrast. There is difference in only degree of contrast.
The hidden meaning of subordinating conjunctions of contrast is “In spite of and despite that”
Let’s see some important examples of these subordinating conjunctions of contrast.
Subordinating conjunction of contrast — though (weak contrast)
Though is used for general contrast in the sentence. It is used for weaker compare to others.
a)He is an atheist.
b)He respect religious beliefs.
“Though he is an atheist, he respects religious beliefs”.
a) She is a modern girl.
b) She preserves cultural identities.
“Though she is a modern girl, she preserves cultural identities.”
a) Trees are great source of oxygen.
b) People are careless about the loss of tree cover.
“Trees are great source of oxygen, people are careless about the loss of tree cover, though.”
Although conjunction of contrast (Strong contrast)
‘Although’ is used for stronger expression of contrast compare to ‘though’ but lesser to “even though”.
a) There is no dearth of solar energy.
b) The generation of solar power is still negligible.
“Although there is no dearth of solar energy, the generation of solar power is still negligible”.
a)The greatest saints always preached peace and love.
b)Our civilizations are fond of war and violence.
“Our civilizations are fond of war and violence although the greatest saints always preached peace and love.”
a) Incidents of food waste are constantly growing.
b) Our millions of people are suffering from malnutrition and hunger.
“Although our millions of people are suffering from malnutrition and hunger, incidents of food waste are constantly growing.”
Even though conjunction of contrast
Even though subordinating conjunctions of contrast is used to express strongest contrast between main clause and adverb clause of contrast.
a) It was a drought resistance species.
b) It failed to survive in the ongoing severity of heat wave.
“Even though it was a drought resistance species, it failed to survive in the ongoing severity of heat wave.”
a) He is well known short tempered man.
b) He remained calm and cool even after a lot of criticism.
“Even though he is well known short tempered man, he remained calm and cool even after a lot of criticism.”
a) The global economy is slowing down rapidly.
b)Many countries are busy in imposing trade tariffs in imported goods.
“Even though global economy is slowing down rapidly, many countries are busy in imposing trade tariffs on imported goods.”
These are some useful examples for better understanding though, although, and even though. I hope these will help you to get deeper insight of clause of contrast….
Adverb Clause Of Cause And Reason
Describing correct use of adverb
However and nevertheless conjunctions
Subordinating conjunctions of time