Expressing Contrast

5) Expressing Contrast:

Express contrast with a simple compound sentence by using a comma and coordinating conjunction, as explained in the first chapter. Instead of the coordinating conjunction and, now use the coordinating conjunction but.

For example—

Morgan prefers the sand on the Gulf coast, but she prefers the waves on the Atlantic coast.

Or—

Morgan prefers the waves on the Atlantic coast, but she prefers the sand on the Gulf coast.

This method of expressing contrast allows the writer to equally emphasize both ideas. The writer forms a simple compound sentence with a comma and the coordinating conjunction but.

Much like the expressions of concurrent and sequential action, however, writers can also use certain conjunctions, such as although, to form a dependent clause that still clearly communicates contrast while also directing emphasis.

For example—

Although Morgan prefers the sand on the Gulf coast, she prefers the waves on the Atlantic coast.

Or—

Morgan prefers the waves on the Atlantic coast although she prefers the sand on the Gulf coast.

 Here the writer places emphasis on Morgan’s preference for the Atlantic coast by composing that clause as the independent clause and the clause about the Gulf coast as the dependent clause.

Like the other dependent clauses, the above example only requires a comma when the writer places the dependent clause before the independent clause.

A few words on pronouns: Notice that the pronoun she switches clauses, allowing it to always appear after the antecedent, Morgan, or the word that the pronoun represents. This order helps maintain clarity.