Advanced Conjunctions and Connectors
Expressing Contrast, Condition, and Purpose
⏰ When do we use these words?
We use these advanced conjunctions to organize arguments, express conditions, or explain the purpose of an action with greater precision. They help avoid repetition and are essential for writing essays, giving presentations, or speaking professionally. Using them correctly signals to the listener that you have a sophisticated command of English grammar.
📌 Structure
We can categorize these into three main groups based on their grammatical function:
- Contrast & Concession:
- Although / Even though + [Subject + Verb]: Even though it rained, we went out.
- Despite / In spite of + [Noun / Gerund (-ing)]: Despite the rain, we went out.
- Condition:
- Provided that / As long as + [Present Tense]: These act like a strong “if.” I will go provided that you drive.
- Unless + [Positive Verb]: This means “if… not.” I won’t go unless you drive.
- Purpose:
- So that + [Subject + Can/Could/Will + Verb]: I study hard so that I can pass.
- In order to + [Base Verb]: I study hard in order to pass.
📝 Notes
“Despite” vs. “Although”: This is the most common B2 mistake. Remember that Despite is never followed by a full clause (Subject + Verb) unless you add the phrase “the fact that” (Despite the fact that he is rich…).
“Unless”: Because unless includes a negative meaning (“if not”), you should not use another negative word in the clause that follows it (e.g., Don’t say “Unless you don’t study”; say “Unless you study”).
Punctuation: If you place the conjunction at the start of the sentence, a comma is required to separate the clauses.
Grammar Reference Table
| Category | Conjunctions | Followed By | Function |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contrast | Although / Even though | Clause (Sub + Verb) | Surprising facts |
| Contrast | Despite / In spite of | Noun or Verb-ing | Surprising facts |
| Condition | Provided that / As long as | Clause | Specific requirement |
| Condition | Unless | Clause | “Except if” |
| Purpose | In order to | Base Verb | Reason for action |
| Purpose | So that | Clause (usually with can/could) | Result/Reason |
💬 Examples
- In spite of the difficult economic situation, the company managed to increase its profits this year. (Contrast)
- We arrived at the airport two hours early in order to avoid the long security queues. (Purpose)
- Although the restaurant has excellent reviews, the service was quite slow last night. (Contrast)
- You can rent this apartment provided that you pay a deposit of two months’ rent upfront. (Condition)
- She accepted the job offer despite the fact that the salary was lower than she expected. (Contrast)
- The government raised taxes so that they could fund the new healthcare initiative. (Purpose)
- Unless we leave right now, we are definitely going to miss the start of the movie. (Condition)
- Even though he is afraid of heights, he agreed to go skydiving for charity. (Contrast)
- I will help you with your presentation as long as you help me check my report afterwards. (Condition)
- The manager organized a team-building trip in order to improve communication among the staff. (Purpose)