COMPARING / EXPRESSING CONTRAST

ALTHOUGH / THOUGH (bien que...)Although it was raining, they went on a picnic. Though it was raining, they went on a picnic.They went on a picnic although it was raining. They went on a picnic though it was raining.

BUT (mais)The team was beaten, but Paul scored three goals.I don’t like most sweet food, but I love chocolate.

CONTRARY TO (contrairement à...)Contrary to what he said, Frank Ribéry is finally going to move to Real Madrid.

DIFFERENT FROM (différent(e) de...)This picture is different from the other one : this one is in black and white.

EVEN THOUGH (même si, bien que...)Even though he’s almost ninety, he’s entered the marathon.

EVEN SO (cependant)They come from a very rich family. Even so, they’re really mean with their money.

HOWEVER (cependant) / NEVERTHELESS, NONETHELESS (néanmoins)The children had a lovely day. However, they arrived home very sunburnt.The government vowed to reduce inflation. Nevertheless, one year later, the rate has increased by 3 percent.

INSTEAD OF + N/V-ING (au lieu de...)Instead of playing tennis, we went to the cinema.

YET (pourtant)

He hasn't been to university and yet has had a brilliant career.

IN SPITE OF / DESPITE (malgré...)He claims that he’s a vegetarian. Despite this / In spite of this, he does enjoy a bit of ham every now and again.

In spite of can also be used as a preposition. In spite of + noun is very similar to although + clause (see above):He looks very fit in spite of his age (=although he’s very old)He went to the gym in spite of his broken leg (=although he had a broken leg)

In spite of can be followed by an -ing form.In spite of not being able to swim, she survived for almost an hour in the sea.

We can also use despite in the same way as in spite of in more formal English:He was considered for the position despite his lack of experience.

UNLIKE (contrairement à...)

Unlike his brother, John is a very good tennis player.

WHEREAS (alors que)

John is a good tennis player whereas his brother can't play at all.