English Grammar Tips, Using Already, Despite, For, However, Nevertheless, Since, While, Yet

English Grammar Tips, Using Already, Despite, For, However, Nevertheless, Since, While, Yet

We can express a contrast by using the adverb nevertheless with two sentences.  It is always followed by a comma.

• He was feeling very ill. Nevertheless, he went to work.
• My friends wanted to go outside.  Nevertheless, it is raining.
• I really enjoyed that movie.  Nevertheless, I prefer the book.

We use SINCE to talk about a point in the past, a specific point in time.

• He has lived here since 1993.
• I haven’t been on holiday since last year.
• Since his wife went away, he has been waiting for her.

While is a conjunction. It links two ideas that contrast with each other.

• While you help her, she doesn’t help anyone.
• While I like pop music my husband hates it.
• He is careful, while I take risks.
• While roaming around the city we saw many interesting sights.

Yet means that something that we expected has happened or hasn’t happened. We usually put it at the end of a sentence.

• Michael has bought a new dress but she hasn’t worn it yet.
• He hasn’t watered the flowers yet.
• Is lunch ready yet?

Already means that something happened earlier than we expected.

• I’ve already seen that film. I don’t want to see it again.
• Arriving at the bus station, I found the bus had already left.
• Have you already taken the money?

Despite expresses a contrast between two things.  It is prepositional expressions.

• Despite being a millionaire, she lives in a very small flat.
• Despite her exhaustion, she tries to help us.
• Despite her young age, she did a very good job.
• Despite being a sunny day, it is cold.

We use FOR to talk about a length of time, a period of time.

• I have worked here for 8 years.
• They’ve been married for 30 years.
• She has been in prison for 6 months.
• I haven’t been on holiday for ages.

We can express a contrast by using the adverb however with two sentences.  It is always followed by a comma.

• He was feeling very ill. However, he went to work.
• Some people disagree with this theory, however, it’s never been proven right.
• I really enjoyed that movie.  However, I prefer the book.