Adversative coordinating conjunctions

To express contrasting viewpoints to the statement earlier given, adversative coordinating conjunctions are used.

  1. Linda was so hungry but she gave her single dollar to homeless begar.
  2. In Hindu religion, people believe in polytheism; whereas, in Islam, monotheism is practiced.

Adversative coordinating conjunctions are used to express contrast or opposing viewpoints between two statements. But, yet, still, however, nevertheless, whereas, etc.are examples of adversative coordinating conjunctions.

Coordinating Vs subordinating conjunctions

There are two major types of conjunctions in the English grammar. One is co-ordinating conjunctions and other is subordinating.

Co-ordinating conjunctions are used to form compound sentences, while other subordinating conjunctions are used to form complex sentences. Both also play role in joining two words, phrases, clauses or any parts of the given sentence.

Understanding Adversative Coordinating conjunctions

Adversative conjunctions are often used to express or indicate contrast or opposite meaning between two statements. Generally, adversative coordinating conjunctions are used to join two independent clauses to form compound sentence. It has many forms such as-

Types and examples of adversative coordinating conjunctions

Here are subtypes of adversative coordinating conjunctions.

  1. “But and Yet”
  2. Still,
  3. Whereas,
  4. While
  5. However and nevertheless

Given the scope and domain of adversative conjunctions, it is too difficult to cover in the single blog.

“Whereas”- adversative coordinating conjunction

In order to express difference between similar statements or things, “Whereas” adversative coordinating conjunction we use.

“Whereas”  conjunctive adverb and conjunction play important role in showing contrasts or contradictions to previously stated statement.

Moreover, Comma is placed before “whereas” when it placed in the middle of the sentence but before subordinating clause.

Key importance of “whereas” is to indicate difference between two similar things.

For clear understanding, here are some model examples:-

Have a look at the model examples of Whereas as a conjunction.

  1. Equatorial climate is hot and humid; whereas Siberian is cold and dry.
  2. Nile river is the longest, whereas Amazon is largest in volume.
  3. Savanna is known for tall grasses, whereas Equatorial region for lofty trees.
  4. In Hindu religion, people worship many Gods; whereas in Islam and Christian monotheism is practiced.
  5. In the LDCs the percentage of young population is higher, whereas in the developed countries, aging population scores more.

In all the above examples, similar things are described with noticeable contrast.

Nevertheless- adversative coordinating conjunctions

Unlike “Whereas”, Nevertheless is used to indicate surprise positive contrast to earlier stated statement. It is more formal and emphatic compare to “however”.

In short, whenever, you think that there is something surprising in the next statement in relation to previous, “Nevertheless” is used.

Simple examples of nevertheless

  1. It was too hot last year. Nevertheless, we didn’t purchase AC.
  2. The level of carbon dioxide is on the rise, nevertheless the coal consumption is continuously growing.
  3. He was an average student, nevertheless he has become a successful writer.
  4. The farmer’s suicides are rising, nevertheless farmers are not willing to choose other option.
  5. He has cramp in his leg, nevertheless he has completed century.

“Nevertheless”  conjunction and conjunctive adverb can be used with the beginning, in the middle, with comma or semicolon.

Really, both whereas and nevertheless are most used conjunctions in the day-to-day interactions.

Useful examples of nevertheless, whereas and nonetheless

  1. Japan set to ease 30% crypto tax, whereas US FSOC demands congressional action on digital assets — Fxstreet news.
  2. OTT Is good for personal viewing, whereas cinema calls motivate directors when we get claps — Outlook news.
  3. Gujarat Assembly Election 2022: BJP looks to make a comeback, whereas Congress fights to retain Radhanpur — India.com news.
  4. Police dialogue shows China reliable for PICs, whereas Australian media hype reveals attempt to turn region into ‘closed sea’ — Global Times news.

Difference between Nevertheless Vs nonetheless

Though Nonetheless and nevertheless are used interchangeably, but they have noticeable differences.

“Nevertheless” is more formal and often used to express positive contrast to the main clause or earlier statement.

On the other hand, “Nonetheless” doesn’t get preference as first choice.

  1. Performance of Congress party was so dismal in the assembly election; nevertheless, Sonia Gandhi persisted.
  2. He suffered huge losses during pandemic; nonetheless, he persisted with his business.

Solved questions on adversative coordinating conjunctions

For better practice and long term memory, solved questions are very essential to have on the topic.

Q.1 What role adversative coordinating conjunctions play?

Ans: Adversative coordinating conjunctions are used to express contrast and opposing viewpoints between two statements. It shows contrast between coordinating and main clause. But, yet, still, however, nevertheless, whereas, and while are the examples of adversative coordinating conjunctions.

Q.2 What is the difference between whereas and nevertheless?

Ans : Usually, “Whereas” is used to show contrast or difference to the main clause whether the main clause is used earlier or later. Comma is placed earlier if it is used between two statements.

On the other hand, “Nevertheless” is used to show surprising contrast to the main clause. It is more formal and emphatic than “Whereas”.

Q.3. What is the difference between nevertheless, whereas, but, and Yet?

Ans: “Whereas” highlights the difference between two statements. It shows how second statement is different in terms of qualities, characteristics, nature etc.

Nevertheless is used to express surprising or unexpected results in relation to the earlier stated statement or main clause. Comparatively, it is more formal and positive than “however”.

“But” indicates unexpected happening to what has imagined. Simply put, all highlight contrasting views ranging from difference to unexpected surprising results.

“Whereas = Shows difference between similar statements”.

“Nevertheless = Shows surprising contrast to main clause”

Adverb Clause Of Cause And Reason

Alternative coordinating conjunctions

Even Though And Even If

“But and Yet”

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