Step 75: However…
Contrast and concession — Although, however, in spite of
📖 Read — The Great Car Debate
Electric cars are the future — or are they? Although they cost more to buy, they are cheaper to run. In spite of their quiet engines, however, some drivers miss the sound of a real motor. The debate continues in every American town.
Ethan has read both sides. “Although gasoline cars are cheaper today, electric cars win on fuel costs. However, charging stations are still rare in small towns. On the other hand, the technology improves every year.” His conclusion? “Despite the problems, I know which car I'd buy!”
🧩 Grammar — Although, However, In Spite Of — Contrast and Concession
Three ways to say 'but' like an adult: Although + full clause: Although it costs more, it's cheaper to run. However starts a new sentence or clause, with commas: It's expensive. However, it's cheaper to run. In spite of / Despite + noun or -ing (NEVER a full clause, and despite has NO 'of'): In spite of the price, people buy them. Despite being expensive, they sell well.
- Although he was tired, he finished the race.
- The hotel was full. However, we found a room nearby.
- In spite of the rain, the festival was great.
- Despite her fear, she gave the speech.
🏗️ Key structures
- Although ___, ___ — Although it's cold, we're going out.
- ___ . However, ___ — It's expensive. However, it's worth it.
- In spite of / Despite ___ (noun/-ing), ___ — Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
⭐ Idiom & natural phrases
City life is exciting. On the other hand, it's very noisy.
🔤 New words
a good point or benefit of something
The main advantage is the low price.
a bad point; something that makes things harder
One disadvantage is the long wait.
a good result or help that something gives
Exercise has many benefits.
a problem or disadvantage of something
The only drawback is the noise.
dirty air, water, or noise that harms nature
Cars cause air pollution in big cities.
a machine that carries people (car, bus, truck…)
Electric vehicles are quiet.
gasoline, diesel, or electricity — what makes a vehicle go
Fuel prices went up this year.
money you must spend on something
Travel is a big expense.
🎧 Say it with me
Although it’s more expensive, it’s cheaper to run. However, in spite of the problems, I’d buy it — on the other hand, let me think!
🎤 Your turn to speak
Argue both sides of one topic (online classes, city life, smartphones): use although once, however once, and in spite of / despite once.
Say it out loud three times. Even better: record it on your phone and listen — your ear is your best teacher.
✍️ Your turn to write
Write a 5-sentence mini-essay about living in a big city. Use although, however, in spite of or despite, and on the other hand.
See a model answer
Although big cities are expensive, they offer amazing opportunities. Jobs are easier to find, and the theaters and museums are wonderful. However, the noise and traffic can be stressful. In spite of the high prices, millions of people choose city life every year. On the other hand, a quiet small town has its own magic — fresh air and friendly neighbors.
Self-check: capital letters? Full stops? Did you use the grammar of this step?
📝 Quick check
Go deeper
This step is a doorway — the full lesson goes much further:
Conjunctions & Linking Words: and / but / because / so — full lesson + 50-question quiz
🎉 Saved in your progress!