English Language | More complex conjunctions (however, whereas)

Welcome! Let's Level Up Our Connecting Words!

Hey everyone! You're already great at using words like 'and', 'but', and 'so' to connect your ideas. Now, it's time to add some super-powered words to your vocabulary! In these notes, we'll explore two powerful conjunctions: however and whereas.

Why is this important? Using these words will make your writing and speaking sound more mature, clear, and professional. They help you build more complex sentences and show the reader exactly how your ideas relate to each other. Let's get started!

Quick Review: What's a Conjunction Anyway?

Think of conjunctions as the 'glue words' of the English language. Their main job is to join words, phrases, or clauses together. Without them, our sentences would be short, choppy, and disconnected.

You already know the simple ones:

I like pizza and I like burgers.
I want to go out, but it is raining.
It was raining, so I took an umbrella.

Key Takeaway

Conjunctions are connecting words that help our sentences flow smoothly.

Meet the Contrast Crew: However & Whereas

However and whereas are special conjunctions that we use to show contrast. This means they highlight a difference, an opposite idea, or something unexpected.

1. Using "However" to Show a Surprise or Contrast

However is like a big signpost in your writing that says, "Wait a minute! Here comes an opposite or surprising idea!" It introduces a point that contrasts with what you just said.

Imagine this: Your friend says, "The movie got terrible reviews..." You expect them to say they didn't like it. But then they add, "...however, I thought it was amazing!" The word 'however' signals that surprise twist.

How to Use "However" - The Punctuation is Key!

Don't worry if this seems tricky at first! Getting the punctuation right is the most important part of using however correctly. Here are the two most common ways to use it:

Rule 1: To connect two complete sentences.
You use a semicolon (;) before however and a comma (,) after it.
Structure: [Complete Sentence 1] ; however, [Complete Sentence 2].

Example: Sarah loves playing sports; however, she doesn't enjoy watching them.

Rule 2: At the beginning of a new sentence.
You start a new sentence with However and put a comma (,) after it.
Structure: [Complete Sentence 1]. However, [Complete Sentence 2].

Example: Sarah loves playing sports. However, she doesn't enjoy watching them.

Common Mistake Alert! The Comma Splice

A very common mistake is using only a comma before however to connect two full sentences. This is incorrect and is called a "comma splice".

Incorrect: I studied all night for the exam, however, I found it very difficult.
Correct: I studied all night for the exam; however, I found it very difficult.
Correct: I studied all night for the exam. However, I found it very difficult.

2. Using "Whereas" for Direct Comparison

Whereas is perfect for putting two things, people, or ideas side-by-side to directly compare them and highlight their differences. It's the best word for "this vs. that" situations.

Think of it like a see-saw, balancing two different ideas on each end to show how they are not the same.

How to Use "Whereas"

Whereas is used to connect two contrasting ideas within a single sentence. You almost always put a comma (,) before it.

Structure: [Idea 1], whereas [Contrasting Idea 2].

Real-World Examples

My brother is very messy, whereas my sister is always tidy.
Some people prefer to work in the morning, whereas others are more productive at night.
Elephants are huge, whereas mice are tiny.

"However" vs. "Whereas": What's the Difference?

This can be a little confusing, but here's a simple way to remember when to use each one.

Use HOWEVER when...

...you are showing an unexpected result or a "plot twist". The second part of the sentence is a bit surprising after you hear the first part.

Example: He is a fantastic musician; however, he suffers from terrible stage fright.
(It's surprising that a great musician is afraid of performing).

Use WHEREAS when...

...you are simply stating two different, balanced facts for comparison. There is no surprise, you are just pointing out a difference.

Example: My dad is a doctor, whereas my mum is a teacher.
(These are just two different facts being compared).

Let's Bring It All Together!

Well done for working through these notes! Using however and whereas correctly is a fantastic skill. These words are powerful cohesive devices – they help your ideas "hang together" logically and make your writing much easier for your reader to understand.

Did you know?

Words like 'however' are sometimes called discourse markers. Think of them as signposts on a road. They guide your reader, telling them "get ready for a U-turn!" or "look at this different view over here!". They are essential for creating clear and well-organised writing.

Chapter Summary

Key Takeaways

Conjunctions are 'glue words' that connect our ideas.

However is used to show a contrast or a surprising result. Don't forget the correct punctuation: use a semicolon (;) before it or start a new sentence.

Whereas is used to make a direct comparison between two different things, usually in the middle of a single sentence with a comma before it.

Mastering these complex conjunctions will make your English writing and speaking much more powerful and precise. Keep practising!