Logic conjunctions 3
- indicate a relationship of logic between the information in two clauses (if, even if, unless, so, so that, because, as, as long as, provided that, in case)
- can indicate a contrast or conflict in the information in the two clauses (though, although, even if, in spite of, despite)
as long as and provided that (clauses can come in either order)
- show something depends on something else. They both have a meaning similar to on (the) condition that
Kate will join us for dinner as long as we don’t serve pork.
Provided that I get to the gym, it doesn’t matter what else I get done today.
It doesn’t matter what else I get done today, provided that I get to the gym.
in case (clauses can come in either order)
- shows something may happen
Take your permit with you in case an inspector asks you for it.
in case can also be used before a noun phrase
In case of (a) fire, proceed to the emergency exit.
although (clauses can come in either order)
- shows the information we would expect in the second clause is not there
Although we arrived early she was ready to leave.
She was ready, although we arrived early.
though (not usually used in the first clause)
- means almost the same as although, but is weaker. The information we would expect in the second clause is not there, but the contrast in the information is not as striking.
I promised to join them at the cinema, though I’m not sure I’ll make it.
even though (clauses can come in either order)
- means almost the same as although, but is stronger
I quite liked Jenny’s brother, even though he clearly took an instant dislike to me.
in spite of / despite – (clauses can come in either order) – are used before a noun phrase and
- indicates something, surprisingly, did not stop something else happening.
In spite of his broad Australian accent we understood him perfectly well.
Despite her initial bad mood she enjoyed the evening no end.(no end = a lot)