IELTS Grammar: 'however' and 'whereas'

You can't use 'however' and 'whereas' in the same way. Follow these general rules in order to avoid grammar mistakes:

Use 'however' (followed by a comma) at the beginning of a sentence to contrast with the previous sentence:

• Some people believe that schools are responsible for the behaviour of their students. However, others argue that discipline is the responsibility of parents.

Use 'whereas' (after a comma) to contrast two ideas in the same sentence:

• Some people believe that schools are responsible for the behaviour of their students, whereas others argue that discipline is the responsibility of parents.

You can use 'on the other hand' or 'by contrast' in the same way as 'however'. You can use 'while' instead of 'whereas'.

Comments

[Isa]

Can we use: "Although some people believe that school are responsible for the bejaviour of thei students, others argue that discipline is the responsability of parents."? what is it better?what is the more/less formal?

[Phattery]

Hey Simon. Would you minded if I ask you to help me distinguish "increase" and "augment"? Can I utilize "augment" in task 1?

[Johnny]

To improve English, all of these websites Simon and name metioned above are beneficial, but I think it is difficult to distinguish which website is more useful. About reading practice, we can focus on our interested affairs. Take me for example, I am in favour of traveling on bicycle,so always throw myself into reading a British cyclist's tour diaries. He's name is Joff Summerfield, and had traveled around the world on his Penny-Fathing( a kind of old-fashioned bicycle) in the past few years. Many times I was deeply attracted by his funny or astonishing stories and the splendid views in his photos,even nearly forgot I was reading in English.
This is my way of doing some extra reading practice, because you know,sometimes the academic articles tend to be a little tedious.
This in only my view,and I think other guys give better ones.
Please don't mind my blah,Simon! :-)

[Simon]

Hi Isa,

Your use of "although" is good. It's no more or less formal than the other words.

...

Hi Phattery,

I don't recommend using "augment". It is only used in very specific situations. You will not need it for IELTS. Just use increase, rise, or go up.

...

Hi Johnny,

You raise an important point: the best learning happens when you enjoy it, so it's a great idea to find something to read that you find interesting.

[simran]

sir is this sentnece correct?

the number of people moving to japan increased in the following yaers. However, the growth was more signifcant from 1990 to 2000 as the figure rose by 15%.

[Simon]

Yes, that's fine.

[Shams]

Hi Simon
Is it correct to use however in the middle as below?-

Some people believe that schools are responsible for the behaviour of their students. Others, however, argue that discipline is the responsibility of parents

[Simon]

Yes, that's fine.

[yan]

Hi Simon,
I also took part in the exam on 21/1/2012.
I thought I got a high grade in w, howeve, it turned up to be 5.5. I completed the task with 5 points in 2 paragraphs. And I used linking words...what's wrong with me?

[Simon]

Hi Yan,

It's difficult for me to help you because I don't know what your individual problems are. It would be a good idea to take a few lessons with a private teacher who can analyse what you are doing wrong

[Mario]

Hi Simon. You can help me distinguish between when using "in year" and when using "by year"?
thank you

[musharaf]

its really very helpful .thanks simon

[Carol]

Hi Simon,

Can I use 'whereas' at the start of a sentence?
E.g. Whereas Jane loved apples, John thought they tasted disgusting.

Thanks!

[Simon]

Yes, that's fine Carol.

[every one]

Good every one, iam so happy seeing this side.

[Chris Sol]

Dear Simon!

Would you please explain how to know when 'as' means 'because', and when it means 'exactly at the moment when'? The conjunction 'since' is in the same situation.

Thanks so much, Simon.

Chris Sol.