Sentence 1. However, sentence 2.Use however to start the second sentence and mark strong contrast.
Contrast Connectors
B1Use however and on the other hand to add a contrasting sentence. Use whereas and while to compare two full ideas in one sentence.
What you'll learn
- Add however before a new contrasting sentence.
- Use on the other hand for the second side of a comparison.
- Link two contrasting full ideas with whereas.
- Use while for contrast when both facts are true together.
- Choose a connector that matches the sentence shape.
Structure
Sentence 1. On the other hand, sentence 2.Use this when you show another side, not just any contrast.
clause 1, whereas clause 2Whereas links two full contrasting ideas inside one sentence.
clause 1, while clause 2Use while for contrast when both sides are true, not for sequence or duration.
Build a sentence
Connector
Context
Anna works fast.However,Tom checks every detail.
Anna works fast. However, Tom checks every detail.
Use however to start a new contrasting sentence.
When to use
Comparing people
Show a difference between two people, habits, or preferences. Anna gets up early, whereas Tom works best at night.
Two sides
Present one view, then the other side. The hotel is cheap. On the other hand, the rooms are very small.
Formal contrast
Add a more formal contrasting sentence in writing or speech. Lisa trained hard. However, she did not win the race.
Markers
howeveron the other handwhereaswhilein contrast
In contrast
vs concession-clauses
Contrast connectors show difference between two facts or views. Concession clauses show an unexpected result: Although it was late, we stayed.
vs discourse-markers
Discourse markers is the bigger group. Contrast connectors are the items inside that group that specifically show difference or opposition.
Common mistakes
Wrong
Tom studied a lot, however he failed the test.
Correct
Tom studied a lot. However, he failed the test.
However does not work like but here. Start a new sentence and put a comma after however.
Wrong
Tom likes tea, whereas coffee.
Correct
Tom likes tea, whereas Anna prefers coffee.
After whereas, add a full contrasting idea, not just one word or phrase.
Wrong
Maria loves this café. On the other hand, the coffee is excellent.
Correct
Maria loves this café. On the other hand, Tom thinks it is too noisy.
On the other hand introduces another side of the comparison, not an extra positive detail.
Wrong
The north is cold. Whereas, the south is warm.
Correct
The north is cold, whereas the south is warm.
Whereas links two parts inside one sentence. It does not normally stand alone after a period.
Wrong
While Anna cooked dinner, Tom set the table. [for contrast]
Correct
Anna likes cooking, while Tom hates it.
This rule uses while for contrast between two facts, not for two actions happening at the same time.
Common misconceptions
❝ I can use however exactly like but in the middle of any sentence. ❞
However often starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon. It does not normally join two clauses with only a comma.
❝ While only talks about time. ❞
While can show time, but it can also show contrast: Anna is outgoing, while her brother is quiet.
Skills in this rule (5)
HOWEVER_STARTS_NEW_SENTENCEw5Use however to add a contrasting idea in a new sentence
Put however before a full sentence to show a clear contrast with the previous sentence. A comma follows however when it opens the sentence.
ON_THE_OTHER_HAND_SECOND_OPTIONw4Use on the other hand to present a different side
Use on the other hand when you compare two sides, choices, or points of view. It often introduces the second side after a first statement.
WHEREAS_LINKS_TWO_FULL_IDEASw5Use whereas to compare two full ideas in one sentence
Use whereas between two full ideas to show a clear difference between people, things, or situations. The two sides stay in the same sentence.
WHILE_FOR_CONTRAST_NOT_TIMEw5Use while to compare two contrasting facts
Use while to show contrast when both parts are true at the same time. Here while means contrast, not an action happening during another action.
PICK_CONNECTOR_BY_SHAPEw5Choose the connector that fits the sentence shape
Use however and on the other hand with a new sentence. Use whereas and while to link two full ideas inside one sentence.