2. I often listen to classical music
Cause
Purpose
Contrast
Addition
in order to help me relax.
because I love its soothing sound.
as well as some opera.
Yet, I’m quite choosy in terms of taste.

3. so that… clause (with a modal) In order that (can/could/will/ would…)
To express purpose you can use two types of connectors:
in order to…
so as to… infinitive
to …
so that… clause (with a modal)
In order that (can/could/will/ would…)

4. He always used headphones. He wanted to feel the power of music.
He always used headphones. He didn’t want to hear any noise.
He always used headphones. He didn’t want his parents to disturb him.
He always used headphones so as to feel the power of music.
He always used headphones so as not to hear any noise.
He always used headphones so that his parents would not disturb him.

5. Beginning or mid position Beginning or mid position
Despite being very popular, heavy metal is often accused of having a negative impact on teens’ behaviour.
Heavy metal is very popular.
It is often accused of having a negative impact on teens’ behaviour.
Yet,
Although
Nevertheless,
, though.
Yet,
Still,
However,
Nevertheless,
Nonetheless,
Beginning or mid position
Mid position
Although…
Though…
Even though…
End
position
….., though.
…, however.
…., but….
In spite of…
Despite…
Beginning or mid position

6. But (coordinating conjuction)
They enjoy different types of music, but they still respect each other.
They get on well together, but they often argue about their music tastes.

7. They often argue about music although/though they are good friends.
Even though (emphatic)
/Although/Though (subordinating conjuctions) + clause
Even though/Although/Though Tom listens to hard rock, he seems to be a clam teen*.
(*New American slang for “quiet boy”)
They often argue about music although/though they are good friends.
Note: we can use though at the end of a sentence as an adverb but not although or even though. E.g. I liked the CD. I didn’t buy it, though.

8. In spite of/despite + noun or –ing form
We fell asleep in spite of /despite the noise.
In spite of/Despite having a headache, I decided to go to the concert.
Note: we can use in spite of the fact that + clause in the same way as although. E.g. We went to the concert in spite of the fact that it was raining.

9. Nevertheless/however/nonetheless/even so (conjunctive adverbs) + clause
She said she didn’t want to go to the concert. Even so/However/Nevertheless/Nonetheless, she may change her mind.
Note: Of the four conjunctive adverbs, even so is the least formal and nonetheless is the most formal. We occasionally put them at the end of the sentence, like though: She listened politely to my speech; she didn’t vote for me, however.

10. Practice

11. _________________ the rain they decided to go to the concert that night.
In spite of/Despite

12. _______________ Celia couldn’t afford to buy a piano, she still looked forward to having lessons one day.
Although/Though

13. ________________ the fact that she prefers heavy metal bands, Julia surprisingly agreed to accompany us to the opera.
Despite/In spite of

14. Kevin and Paul often argue about sport and music, ____ they are still good friends. (Use a coordinating conjunction.)
but

15. Even so/However/Nevertheless/Nonetheless
Most teens aren’t willing to learn music. ______________________________________, most of them see music as a great form of self-expression.
Even so/However/Nevertheless/Nonetheless

16. ________________ pop music remains popular, some teenagers prefer heavier music or the so called indie pop bands.
Although/Though

17. Lily wasn’t doing well in her violin classes ________________ working so hard on her own.
in spite of/despite

18. though/however/even so
I love Lady Gaga! I won’t be going to her concert, ______________________.
though/however/even so
Note: nevertheless and nonetheless are too formal for this context.

19. Even though/Although/Though
__________________________ I would love to buy the latest CD by my favourite band, I can’t afford it right now!
Even though/Although/Though

20. Even though/Although/Though
__________________________ I stopped buying music a long time ago, I keep listening to all the latest sounds on the streaming music websites.
Even though/Although/Though

21. Sophia has a lovely singing voice; _______________ she is not interested in taking up music as a career.
however/even so
Note: nevertheless and nonetheless, though possible, are rarely used in everyday conversation.