A ‣ As well (as), what’s more, in addition (to), besides

We often link ideas using and, e.g. The food’s nice and very good value. There are other words and phrases we also use to add more information. Sometimes we still include and or also.

The restaurant has excellent food; it’s also very good value.

You always get a good view, and the seats are comfortable as well. (syn too)

As well as getting cheaper tickets, I also got the opportunity to buy them in advance.

The clothes are nice, and what’s more, the shop is open every day of the week.

The scheme gives young people experience. In addition, companies can afford to employ them.

In addition to the new food department, they’re also planning to open a café.

Besides being a mum with four children, she’s also a successful designer.

B ‣ Although, despite, in spite of

We use these link words when there are two ideas in a sentence, and the second is surprising or not expected. They can be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence.

Although / Even though the sun was shining, it wasn’t very warm.

We found the place quite easily, although / even though we didn’t know where it was.

They went for a walk despite the fact that it was raining.

Despite having no money, he still seemed very happy.

They got there on time in spite of the delay.

In spite of all the problems, we still enjoyed the trip.

C ‣ However, yet, though

We can use however and yet when the second part of an idea is surprising after the first part. However is often used to link ideas in two separate sentences. Though can be used in a similar way in spoken English, but usually comes at the end of the sentence. Notice the use of commas (,) here, and the different positions of however.

I don’t agree with a lot of his methods. However, he is a very good teacher.

We didn’t particularly like the house. The garden, however, was wonderful.

It was warm and sunny when we were there. Most of the time, however, it’s quite cold.

We went in the autumn, yet it was still quite warm.

I didn’t like the film much. I’m glad I went to see it, though.

They told us the shop was next to the station. We never found it, though.

D ‣ While and whereas

We can use while and whereas to compare two different facts or situations.

Alex is very quick to understand, whereas / while the others are quite slow.

I get £20 an hour, while Josh only gets £12.

The speed limit on this road is 80kph, whereas it’s 130kph on the motorway.

I was very keen on the film, whereas Christoph didn’t like it at all.