English (UK) · Linking Words

Although, However, Unless ...

These words link ideas more precisely. Watch what follows each one:

although / though / even though + a full clause: Although it was cold, we swam. Even though is stronger.
despite / in spite of + a noun or an -ing form: despite the noise, in spite of being late. Never say despite it was; say despite the fact that it was.
However, usually starts a new sentence: It's old. However, it works well.
unless means "except if": I'll come unless I'm ill.
in case means "as a precaution": Take a map in case you get lost.
as long as means "only on this condition" or "for the whole time".
whereas / while compare two different people or things. At the start of a sentence, while can also mean although.
therefore means "for this reason" and sounds formal.

Examples

it was raining, we went for a walk.Show answer

Although it was raining, we went for a walk.

The room was small. , it was very comfortable.Show answer

The room was small. However, it was very comfortable.

the rain, the match went ahead.Show answer

Despite the rain, the match went ahead.

We'll miss the train we hurry.Show answer

We'll miss the train unless we hurry.

I enjoyed the film it was very long.Show answer

I enjoyed the film although it was very long.

We enjoyed the holiday the bad weather.Show answer

We enjoyed the holiday despite the bad weather.

I'd love to come. , I have to work that evening.Show answer

I'd love to come. However, I have to work that evening.

You can't come in you have a ticket.Show answer

You can't come in unless you have a ticket.

Take an umbrella it rains.Show answer

Take an umbrella in case it rains.

My sister loves sport, I hate it.Show answer

My sister loves sport, whereas I hate it.