1. Relate one sentence to another, as in:

Both processes are simple to perform. However, the first one is less time- consuming.

Inflation results in a rise in price levels. Deflation, in contrast, effects a decline in prices.

2. Relate parts of the same sentence to each other, as in:

Both processes are simple to perform, but the first one is less time- consuming.

Inflation results in a rise in price levels, whereas deflation effects a de­cline in prices.

Notice that some words are used to relate two sentences to each other (however, in contrast) while others are used to relate two parts of the same sentence to each other (but, whereas). Therefore, sometimes one contrast word cannot be simply substituted for another without re-writing the sen­tence^).

What other contrast words do you know?

Do you use them 1) to relate two sentences to each other or 2) to relate two parts of the same sentence to each other? Make a list of those words.

(1) but (2) however

whereas in contrast

There is another reason why one contrast word cannot always be sub­stituted for another. The meaning of the two words may be different. For ex­ample, you might have thought that on the contrary and in contrast (or on the other hand) have the same meaning, but they don't.

Look at these two examples and see if you can explain the difference, on the contrary:

A: All children in the United States have a bright future. B: On the contrary. This year's statistics shows that one fourth of all American children live below the poverty level.

In contrast, on the other hand

Women's salaries in the United States are about 25% lower than men's. In contrast (On the other hand), Swedish women make only 11% less than Swedish men.

On the contrary is used to express disagreement with the previous statement. In contrast and on the other hand are used to show difference or contrast.

Note: On the other hand can be used in a discussion to argue pros and cons of an issue, but not in contrast.

E.g.: The US government supports the principles of a democratic society. On the other hand, it has also propped up military regimes all over the world.

nevertheless

Nevertheless also has a different meaning from on the other hand and in contrast. Look at these two examples. Can you explain the difference?

These two examples help explain why:

1. U.S. immigration laws impose fines on employers who hire illegal aliens. Nevertheless, millions of illegal aliens are working in the United States.

2. Some European countries only admit small numbers of immigrants each year. The USA, on the other hand (in contrast) , accepts over a half a million immigrants annually.

Here, nevertheless has the same meaning as in spite of the fact, even so, or even though this is true. On the other hand simply points to a difference.

even though

Even though and nevertheless have the same meaning. However, they cannot be used interchangeably, i.e. substitute each other. Why not? Look at the following example and compare it with the one above.

Even though U.S. immigration laws impose fines on employers who hire illegal aliens, millions of illegal aliens are working in the United States.

conversely

Another confusing contrast word is conversely. Look at the following ex­ample to see if you can understand the meaning. Why is the use of con­versely very limited in English?

When the quality of goods goes up, the demand rises. Conversely, when the quality of goods goes down, the demand falls.

Conversely is only used in English to introduce an opposite or reverse concept of the one already mentioned. It is not used for disagreement or con­trast, unless the contrast is an exact opposite.

instead

Instead is also considered a contrast word, but it is used very differently from the contrast words mentioned above. Look at the following example. What is its meaning? How is it used?

The discussion did not focus on macroeconomics. Instead, it concerned microeconomic issues.

How could you rewrite the above example as one sentence instead of two?

however

However is more versatile because it can be used to mean on the other hand, in contrast and nevertheless. It should not be used in place of conversely because it does not specifically express a reverse concept. Nor can it be used to mean on the contrary because it does not express total dis­

agreement with a prior statement. Nor can it be used in place of instead to mean "as a substitute or alternative".

similarly, likewise

Similarly and likewise are used to show comparison or similarity. Read the following example:

Prices depend on demand and supply. Similarly, the exchange rate is de­termined by demand and supply of the currency.

USING AND DISCUSSING VISUALS

Here we are going to focus on:

1. Useful prepositions for discussing graphs, charts and tables.

2. Using dates.

3. Discussing amounts, differences and changes.

Q $400

$356

О

$300

О

'92

'91

'90

'89

1987 '88

Price of gold per ounce in 1987-1992

Source: "Fortune", February 10, 1992.

Pay attention to the use of prepositions:

On January 1992, the price of gold was $356 per ounce.

At the end of 1987 the price of gold was almost $500 per ounce.

In1987 the price of gold rose.

During1988 the price of gold fell.

Gold stood at$400 at the end of 1988.

The price from$400to$500in1987.

The price rose by almost $100in one year.

There was a drop of about $100 in 1988.

The price stayed relatively flat in 1991.

Now insert the necessary prepositions:

Applications business school were virtually flat the years 1990-