Grammar · From lesson 12
TOEIC Grammar: Despite or Although? Prepositions vs Conjunctions
Three types of words can express the same logical relationship, but each needs a different structure.
Free extract from the Noto Tracks TOEIC course
- A preposition is followed by a noun phrase, a pronoun or an -ing form: because of the delay.
- A subordinating conjunction is followed by a full clause (subject + verb) and joins it to a main clause: because the train was delayed, …
- A conjunctive adverb (transition) begins a new sentence or follows a semicolon, usually with a comma; it does not join two clauses on its own: The train was delayed. Therefore, the meeting started late.
| Relationship | Preposition (+ noun) | Conjunction (+ clause) | Conjunctive adverb (new sentence) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cause | because of, due to, owing to, on account of, as a result of, thanks to | because, since, as, now that, given that | — |
| Result | — | so (that) | therefore, as a result, consequently, thus, accordingly, hence |
| Contrast | despite, in spite of, notwithstanding | although, though, even though, while, whereas | however, nevertheless, nonetheless, even so, on the other hand, in contrast |
| Time | during, before, after, until, since, following, upon | while, when, before, after, until, since, once, as soon as | meanwhile, in the meantime, afterward, subsequently, then |
| Condition | in case of, in the event of, without, barring | if, unless, provided (that), as long as, in case, once | otherwise |
| Addition | in addition to, besides, along with, as well as | — | in addition, moreover, furthermore, also, besides |
| Alternative | instead of, rather than | — | instead, alternatively |
Note that before, after, until and since are both prepositions and conjunctions, so either a noun or a clause can follow them. During is only a preposition; while is only a conjunction (though it can be followed by an -ing form: while traveling, a reduced clause).
------- the high cost of the new equipment, the factory expects to recover its investment within two years.
(A) Although (B) However (C) Despite (D) Even though
Answer: (C) — the blank is followed by a noun phrase (the high cost of the new equipment) and then a comma and the main clause, so a preposition is needed. (A) and (D) express the right contrast but need a clause (Although the equipment is expensive). (B) However cannot join a phrase to a clause.
Quick check: (a) (Because / Because of) heavy traffic, the courier arrived late. (b) (While / During) the manager was away, Ms. Kim handled the accounts. (c) The venue was full. (Although / Nevertheless), we found extra chairs. — Answers: (a) Because of, (b) While, (c) Nevertheless.
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This page is one section of a full lesson
Lesson 12, "Grammar course 3: Prepositions, conjunctions and clauses", is in the Noto Tracks TOEIC course. The rest of it covers:
- 4. Fixed combinations with prepositions
- 8. Noun clauses
- 9. Adverb clauses
- 10. Inversion after negative and restrictive adverbs
- 11. Connectors for Part 6
Also in the full lesson
- Practice questions
- Answer key with explanations
- One-page summary
50 questions, free, with an estimated score.
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