Conjunctions | ESL Master

Conjunctions connect ideas. At B1, it is important to connect ideas clearly and choose the right structure after each linking word.

Contrast: Although, Though, Even Though

Use although, though, and even though before a subject + verb.

Conjunction	Example
although	Although it rained, we had a good time.
though	I went to work though I felt tired.
even though	Even though the tickets were expensive, we bought them.

Even though is stronger than although.

In speaking, though can also come at the end.

The flat is small. I like it, though.

Contrast: In Spite Of And Despite

Use in spite of or despite before a noun, pronoun, or -ing form.

Pattern	Example
in spite of + noun	In spite of the rain, we went out.
despite + noun	Despite the noise, I slept well.
in spite of + -ing	In spite of feeling tired, she continued.

Do not use of after despite.

Correct: Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.

Incorrect: Despite of the traffic, we arrived on time.

Reason: Because And Because Of

Use because before a subject + verb. Use because of before a noun or noun phrase.

Pattern	Example
because + subject + verb	We stayed home because it was raining.
because of + noun	We stayed home because of the rain.

Condition: Unless And As Long As

Unless means if not.

We will be late unless we leave now.

Use as long as, so long as, provided, or providing to give a condition.

You can borrow my bike as long as you bring it back tonight.

Common Mistakes

Avoid	Use
Despite it was cold, we went out.	Although it was cold, we went out.
Despite of the rain	Despite the rain
Because the rain	Because of the rain
Unless you do not study	Unless you study

Practice

1 / 9

___ it was cold, we went for a walk.

Summary

Use conjunctions to show the relationship between ideas. Although, though, and even though take a subject and verb. Despite and in spite of take a noun phrase or -ing form. Because gives a reason with a clause; because of gives a reason with a noun. Unless means if not.