Unit 84: OPPOSITE IDEAS

Here are some ways to connect two ideas when you want to say that they are opposite to each other.

Contrast

SHORT STATEMENTS

I like university but I don't like studying.
I like bookkeeping. I don't like accounting, though.

LONGER STATEMENTS

For longer statements, we can also use although, however and on the other hand:

Although Einstein was a very clever man, he never passed any university exams.
Working as a loan officer is very exciting. However, it can also be stressful.
Having an overdraft is very convenient On the other hand, it can encourage people to overspend.

Although goes before the two ideas in one sentence.
However and on the other hand go between the two ideas.

Choice

ORDINARY CHOICE:

Which do you want? The green one or the red one?

TO SHOW STRONGLY THAT YOU MEAN NOT BOTH:

At my school, we learn either Economics or Taxation.

TO SHOW PREFERENCE:

What would you rather do? Stay in or go out?
I'd rather stay in.

TO CONNECT LONGER IDEAS, WE CAN ALSO USE ON THE OTHER HAND:

What do you want to do? It's a beautiful day so we could go out for a walk. On the other hand, we could stay in and watch sports on TV.

NOTICE:

Would you like any tea or coffee?
I want you to answer yes or no.

Would you like tea or coffee?
Answer tea or coffee.

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Exercise 84.1
Exercise 84.2