Focus on Words

TROUBLE SPOT
• Some connectors have got similar meanings but are followed by different
structures.
Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun phrase or an -ing-form.
e.g.: We did not wear coats despite the cold weather.
I tried to look happy in spite of feeling terrible.
Even though and although are followed by a clause.
e.g. My car constantly needs repairs even though it’s new.
My cousin and I aren’t very close, although we’re the same age.
4. Choose the correct connective. There may two or more variants.
1. We’re studying now ... there’s an interesting film on TV.
2. I’d like to talk to you ... I know you’re busy.
3. ... her efforts, she failed the exam.
4. ... we were having difficulties, we felt optimistic.
5. We didn’t win the game ... all our hard work.
6. ... it rained a lot, we enjoyed our holiday.
7. ...the traffic, they arrived in time.
8. ... I was really tired, I couldn’t sleep.
• even is used to emphasise sth exceptional or extraordinary: He cooks, even bakes,
for all his friends.
• even though is used to show unexpected outcome: He cooks and bakes even though
he doesn’t have much time.
• even if means without condition, in any case: I’ll help you even if I don’t have
time.
5. Choose even, even if or even though.
1. Her chocolate cake is amazing ... it has no butter in it.
2. I would like to walk to work ... it is raining. (It is raining.)
3. I like to walk to work ... it is raining. (It may or may not be raining.)
4. ... he doesn’t say so, he loves you. (He may or may not say so.)
5. ... he doesn’t say so, he loves you. (He doesn’t say, still he loves you.)
CORRECTING MISTAKES
6. Correct the mistakes.
FLOODS
1. Nowadays, the floods seem to be more and more common.
2. It must have something to do with changes in the climate.
3. It may be that we are going to have to long periods of dry weather followed by brief
but heavy rainfall.
4. We must to start getting use to floods, whereas in the past they were rare.
5. Floods they can occur anywhere in the world, it seems.
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