An adverb clause of contrast uses words like although, though, even though, while, or but to show an unexpected or contrasting relationship between two clauses. These words imply concession by suggesting something is true although or while something else may also be true. Adverb clauses of contrast often come before or after the main clause depending on if they contrast two aspects of the same thing or two different things. There are also other ways to show contrast between independent clauses using constructions with but, despite, or in spite of.

1. Section A

2. An adverb clause of contrast adds unexpected,
surprising, or contrasting information to a main
clause.
My grandfather still works even though he’s in his eighties.
Though cell phones have solved some problems, they have created many others.
main clause adverb clause
adverb clause main clause

3. Section B

4. Adverb clauses of contrast often begin with the
subordinator although, though, or even though.
These subordinators usually include a meaning of
concession or “but …”
Although she’s been teaching for ten years, she still
feels nervous at the beginning of the school year.
Though she said she wanted to help, she didn’t
do anything.
(This means that she’s been teaching for ten years but
she still feels. . . .)
(This means, “she said she wanted to help, but she . . .”)

5. Although, though, and even though are similar in
meaning.
However:
• although is more formal
• even though expresses a stronger contrast or
emphasis
He wouldn’t eat anything even though he
was hungry.
(This means, “he was hungry but he wouldn’t
eat anything.”)

6. Section C

7. We can also use while to introduce an adverb clause of
contrast.
While smokeless tobacco may be
safer than cigarettes, it is not safe
enough.
(This means, “smokeless tobacco
may be safer than cigarettes, but it
is not safe enough.”)
When we use while to contrast two aspects of the
same thing, it usually includes a meaning of concession
or “but…”

8. While a college education is useful, it doesn’t guarantee a job after graduation.
(This means, “education is useful but it doesn’t guarantee a job.”)
With this use of while, the adverb clause
usually comes before the main clause.

9. We can also use while to make a direct contrast
between two different things.
Hawaii is warm while Alaska
is cold.
With this use of while, the adverb clause usually
comes after the main clause.

10. My mother was an artist and very high-strung while my father was quite calm.

11. Section D

12. There are other ways to show contrast.
My grandfather is in his eighties,
but he still works.
We can also use an
independent clause plus but
plus an independent clause.
We can also use despite plus
a noun phrase.
We can also use in spite of
plus a noun phrase.
Despite being hungry, he wouldn’t
eat anything.
In spite of his age, he has never
worked.