1. But
But links two contrasting ideas.
It is normally used at the beginning of the sentence.
Examples (but): (= dar, însă)
a) Many people argue that TV is bad for you, but I disagree with this.
b) I want to go on vacation, but I need to save money.
c) The food at the restaurant was delicious, but the service was slow.
d) The movie had great special effects, but the storyline was weak.
2. However
However can come at the beginning or end of a sentence.
It must be separated off by commas.
Examples (however): (= în orice caz, orişicum)
a) The advert claimed that there were huge discounts for students.
However, the discount was only 5%.
b) I love travelling.
I don’t enjoy long flights, however.
c) The company has a strong reputation for quality products.
However, recent customer reviews indicate a decline in customer satisfaction.
d) The weather forecast predicts a sunny day for the picnic.
However, it might change if the clouds start to gather later in the afternoon.
3. Although, even though, though
These expressions introduce a subordinate clause of contrast.
If the subordinate clause comes first, it is separated from the main clause by a comma.
Examples (although): (= cu toate că)
a) Although he had studied all night, he still couldn’t pass the exam.
b) Although it was raining heavily, she decided to go for a walk in the park.
c) Although the restaurant had excellent reviews, the service was disappointing.
Examples (even though): (= chiar dacă)
a) I walked home even though it took me two hours.
b) Even though she was tired from a long day at work, she still went to the gym to exercise.
c) Even though he had very little experience, he managed to secure the job.
Note:
Though can be used after a comma at the end of a separate sentence that express something surprising.
Examples (though): (= totuşi)
a) We lived in the middle of a city.
We still had a large garden, though.
b) I don’t think I’ll have time to go to the party tonight, though.
c) The weather forecast predicts rain tomorrow, though.
4. Whereas, while
Whereas and while are used to compare two things and show how they are different.
Examples (whereas): (= pe câtă vreme, în timp ce)
a) She likes football whereas I prefer tennis.
b) Whereas she was an excellent student, her brother struggled academically.
c) Whereas the first half of the movie was captivating, the second half failed to deliver on the initial promise.
Examples (while): (= pe când, în timp ce)
a) My sister is very like my father while I take after my mother.
b) While the sun sets, the stars begin to twinkle in the night sky.
c) While some people prefer staying indoors, others enjoy outdoor activities.
While is also used in the same way as although.
Example (while): (= deşi)
a) While computers are important, we shouldn’t let them rule our lives.
5. In spite of (the fact that), despite (the fact that)
These expressions must be followed by a noun or -ing form.
Despite is slightly more formal.
Examples (in spite of): (= neţinând seama de)
a) In spite of the fact that they are expensive, many people want to buy designer clothes.
b) In spite of the heavy rain, they continued with their outdoor picnic.
c) In spite of his lack of experience, she hired him for the job.
d) In spite of the protests, the government implemented the new policy.
Examples (despite): (= în ciuda)
a) Despite all the research that has been done, we still haven’t found a cure for cancer.
b) Despite the rain, the children played happily in the park.
c) Despite her fear of heights, she climbed to the top of the mountain.
d) Despite the late start, the team managed to win the game.
6. In fact, the fact of the matter is
In fact is used when you are saying what the real truth of a situation is.
Examples (in fact): (= de fapt)
a) According to the brochure, the service is free for students.
In fact, students are charged at the same rate as everyone else.
b) In fact, the sun is a giant ball of hot plasma, not a solid object as it may appear.
c) Contrary to popular belief, exercise alone does not guarantee weight loss.
A balanced diet is equally important, in fact.
d) While many assume that success is solely determined by luck, in fact, hard work plays crucial role in achieving one’s goals.
7. On (the) one hand… On the other hand…
These expressions are used to introduce an opposite point in a discussion.
Examples (on the other hand): (= pe de altă parte)
a) (On the one hand,) if I take job in Milan, I’ll be able to go to the opera.
On the other hand, if I take the job in Barcelona, I’ll be able to go to the beach.
b) Eating a healthy diet can improve your overall well-being.
On the other hand, indulging in unhealthy food choices can lead to negative health consequences.
c) Education plays a crucial role in expanding one’s knowledge and opportunities.
On the other hand, the cost of education can be a significant burden for many individuals.
Contrast
but, however, although, even though, whereas, while, despite, otherwise
8. Otherwise
Otherwise is used to say what will happen if something else does not happen first.
Examples (otherwise): (= altfel, din alte motive)
a) You have to choose your holiday carefully.
Otherwise, you could be disappointed.
b) I love coffee, but I prefer tea otherwise.
c) The experiment was supposed to yield positive results, but it failed otherwise.
d) She usually enjoys reading fiction, but this time she chose a non-fiction book otherwise.