What is a contrast clause? The structure and exercises of contrast clauses

Contrast clauses are a grammatical structure frequently used in English. So to form a contrast clause, what elements are needed? Let's explore together with PREP in the article below! 

I. What is a contrast clause?

What is a contrast clause? A contrast clause is a grammatical structure in English used to compare or show opposites between two ideas or pieces of information within a sentence.

Contrast clauses typically involve using words, phrases, or conjunctions like “but”, “while”, “however”, “on the other hand”, “in contrast”, etc. For example: 

• Peter is quite talkative and confident, while Linda's shy and quiet. 
• Fiona studied hard; however, she didn't perform well on the exam. 

II. The structure of contrast clause in English

Let's dive into the structure for forming contrast clauses with the examples below!

1. Using subordinating conjunctions

Subordinating conjunctions in English include "while", "whilst", and "whereas".

2. Using coordinating conjunctions

"But" is the most commonly used coordinating conjunction in English. So how do you use "but" in a contrast clause? Let PREP explain through some examples:

• I really want to buy that expensive car, but I am poor. 
• Mina is very hard-working but not very imaginative. 

3. Using adverbial conjunctions or adverb phrases

Adverb phrases and adverbial phrases like "on the one hand...on the other hand", "on the contrary", "in comparison and by comparison", and "in contrast and by contrast" are useful devices in English to draw comparisons or contrasts between two clauses. For example:

III. Contrast clause exercises with answers

Let's practice identifying and forming contrast clauses with some exercises below!

1. Exercises

Exercise 1: Use the conjunctions and phrases below to rewrite the following sentences, making them into contrast clauses:

1. The weather was hot. We decided to have a picnic. (But)
2. Lena enjoys swimming. Her sister prefers running. (While)
3. I love traveling. My sister prefers staying at home. (On the one hand…on the other hand)
4. The book was interesting. The movie was boring. (By contrast)
5. He is skilled at programming. He struggles with public speaking. (In contrast)
6. The park was crowded. We decided to have a picnic. (But)
7. Lena prefers swimming in the ocean. Her sister prefers the tranquility of the lake. (While)
8. The food was delicious. The heat made it difficult to fully enjoy the picnic. (But)
9. Lena enjoys swimming. Her sister prefers land-based exercises. (However)
10. The weather was hot. We decided to have a picnic. (Even though)

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

1. The others were all on time, _______I was late.

1. But
2. However
3. While

2.he didn’t like it, _______ I enjoyed it a lot.

1. While 
2. Whereas 
3. But

3. She is very honest. _______, her parents don’t believe her.

1. While
2. However
3. But

4. I love meat and fish, _______ my sister is a vegetarian!

1. whereas
2. And
3. But

5. The bride looked shy and reserved,_______,the groom who was very self-assured!

1. On the contrary
2. So
3. However

2. Answer

Exercise 1:

1. The weather was hot, but we decided to have a picnic.
2. Lena enjoys swimming while her sister prefers running.
3. On the one hand, I love traveling; on the other hand, my sister prefers staying at home.
4. The book was interesting; by contrast, the movie was boring.
5. He is skilled at programming; in contrast, he struggles with public speaking.
6. The park was crowded, but we still managed to find a good spot for our picnic.
7. While Lena prefers swimming in the ocean, her sister enjoys the tranquility of the lake.
8. The food was delicious, but the heat made it difficult to fully enjoy the picnic.
9. Lena enjoys swimming. However, her sister prefers land-based exercises.
10. The picnic was a success, even though the weather was hotter than expected.

Exercise 2:

1. A
2. C
3. B
4. A
5. A

PREP hopes you've gained a good understanding of the definition and the structure for forming contrast clauses in English. Please remember to practice some of the contrast clause exercises provided at the end of the lesson to quickly and successfully master this grammar point!