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But / But still

coffee with sugarStating contrast or contrary outcome

 

 

 

 

 

Contrast vs. Contrary Outcome
BUT BUT STILL

But is a connector that introduces a clause with an idea, opinion or action that is different from the other clause.  It indicates a contrast.

But still is a connector that introduces a clause with an idea, opinion or action that is contrary to the idea, opinion or action in the other clause.  The outcome (logic) is contrary to expectation.

He asked for another cup of coffee, but there was no more.

There was no more coffee, but still he asked for another cup.

He asked for another cup of coffee. However, there was no more.

He asked for another cup of coffee though there was no more.

See But / though for implied meanings 

 

 

 

 

Connectors for Contrast
BEFORE TWO CLAUSES BETWEEN TWO CLAUSES

Each of these connectors states a direct contrast and can introduce (or be placed before) either clause without a change in meaning.   A comma is used to separate the two clauses.

Each of these connectors can be placed between the two clauses.  A comma separates the two clauses (except for however, a transition word, and in contrast to, a preposition.)

CONNECTOR

CONTRAST

STATEMENT

STATEMENT

CONNECTOR

CONTRAST

While (conj)

I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

while(conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

Whereas(conj)

I like sugar in my coffee,

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee,

whereas(conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

On the one hand, (trans)

I like sugar in my coffee.

 

I like sugar in my coffee,

but (conj)

Edward likes black coffee.

On the other hand, (trans)

 

Edward likes black coffee.

I like sugar in my coffee

in contrast to (prep)

Edward who likes black coffee.

 

 

 

I like sugar in my coffee.

However, (trans)

Edward likes black coffee.
     

I like sugar in my coffee.

In contrast, (trans)

Edward likes black coffee.
 

black coffee – has no sugar
On the one hand,  and On the other hand, is a paired expression.
 Also see Comparisons

 

 

Connectors for Contrary Outcome
CONNECTORS BEFORE SITUATION CLAUSE CONNECTORS BEFORE CONTRARY CLAUSE

Each of these connectors occurs with a pair of independent clauses.  It introduces the situation-clause.

Each of these connectors occurs between a pair of independent clauses and introduces the clause with contary outcome (idea, opinion or action).

CONNNECTOR

SITUATION

CONTRARY OUTCOME

SITUATION

CONNNECTOR

CONTRARY OUTCOME

Even though (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do (eat sugar).

I shouldn't eat sugar,

but still

I do.

Though (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar,

yet (conj)

I do.

Although (conj)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar,

but (conj)

I do anyway.

Despite the fact (that)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar.

Even so, (adv)

I do.

In spite of the fact (that)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar.

Inspite of that,

I do.

Regardless of the fact (that)

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I shouldn't eat sugar.

Nevertheless, (adv)

I do.
 

contrary (adj) – ideas, opinions, or actions that are completely different and opposed to each other; one is illogical, unexpected or unlikely with the other
Related Page: Expected vs. Unexpected Outcome –  Because/Though

 

 

 

 

Placement of Connectors
INITIAL-SENTENCE POSITION MID-SENTENCE POSITION

Each of these connectors introduces a situation clause that is followed by a comma and clause stating an unexpected, surprising or illogical outcome.

Each of these connectors can be placed mid-sentence before the situation clause. No comma is used.

CONNECTOR

SITUATION

CONTRARY OUTCOME

CONTRARY OUTCOME

CONNECTOR

SITUATION

Even though

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do (eat sugar).

I eat sugar

even though

I shouldn't.

Though

I shouldn't eat sugar,

I do.

I eat sugar

though

I shouldn't.

Although

I shouldn't eat sugar, 

I do.

I eat sugar

although

I shouldn't.
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

teensPractice 1

Connectors for Contrast

 

 

 

Select the connector that best completes the sentence.
 
# COMPLETE SENTENCE WITH CONNECTOR CHECK ANSWER
1.

 
2.

 
3.

 
4.

 
5.

 
6.

 
7.

 
8.

 
9.

 
10

 
   

 

 

 

 

studyingPractice 2

Indicating Contrast or Contrary Outcome

 

 

 

Select the connector that best completes the sentence. * Indicates an incorrect answer.

 

# SENTENCE & ANSWER YOUR RESPONSE
11.
 
12.  
 
13.
 
14.  
 
15.
   

 

 

 

 

 

soccerPractice 3

Punctuation

 

 

 

Indicate whether the sentence needs punctuation.

 

# COMPLETE SENTENCE WITH PUNCTUATION CHECK ANSWER
16.
17.  
18.  
19.  
20.  
21.  
22.