In Your Words...

Thursday, August 30, 2012

Language Functions

When we talk to people, we always have reasons why. Whether we want to apologize, request, express a wish or simply just to disagree with somebody. Here are some guides I found from a helpful link....Enjoy!!!

Contrasting Ideas
There are a number of formulas used when contrasting ideas in English. Here are some of the most common:
Formula:      main statement, but contrasting statement
I'd really like to come to the film, but I have to study tonight.
Use a comma or semi colon (;) with 'but'. 'But' is the most common way to show contrasting ideas.

Formula:      main statement, in spite of contrasting statement OR 
                   in spite of contrasting statement, main statement
They continued on their journey, in spite of the pouring rain.
Use 'in spite of' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund.

Formula:       main statement, despite contrasting statement OR
                    Despite contrasting statement, main statement
They continued on their journey, despite the pouring rain.
Use 'despite' plus a noun, noun phrase or gerund.

Formula:        main statement, although contrasting statement OR 
                     Although contrasting statement, main statement
We wanted to buy a sports car, although we knew that fast cars can be dangerous.
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