Contrastive conjunction and Modal perfect

        Our material this time, quite a lot to discuss, hehe
To shorten the time, let's get on with it we discuss this matter one by one, starting from the definition.

         A conjunction is a word that joins two or more words, phrases, or clauses. Contrastive conjunctions are used to emphasize the contrast between two ideas and to link two ideas or statement that are considered to be different. Contrastive conjunctions are but, still, yet, although, even though, whereas, while, however, nevertheless, and despite/in spite of. Let's find out.

Example of Although

• Although there is no universal agreement within the scientific community on the impacts of increasing concentrations of greenhouse gases, it has been theorized that they may lead to an increase in the average temperature of the Earth's surface.

• There is no universal agreement among scientists and climatologists on the potential impacts of an increase in the average temperature of the Earth, although it has been hypothesized that it could lead to a variety of changes in the global climate, sea level, agricultural patterns, and ecosystem.

Example of (Even) Though

• (Even) though climate change cannot be predicted for a specific region, experience with natural climatic variability leads many scientists to believe that even relatively small changes to climate may be socially and economically significant.

• Nia had studied hard, (Even) tough she failed the test.

• (Even) tough he loses his job as Arts Minister, I think he'll continue to serve in the government .

• (Even) though I had two hours to spare for shopping, I couldn't find the suit I wanted.

Example of “While”                    

Before main clause:

-      While land temperatures are measured by the temperature of air about a metre above the earth’s surface, ocean temperatures are measured by the temperature of water. (more common)

After main clause:

-      Land temperatures are measured by the temperature of air about a metre above the earth’s surface, while ocean temperatures are measured by the temperature of water. (less common)

Example of Whereas

-          Nuclear energy fuel uses only about 4 percent fissionable uranium, whereas a nuclear weapon uses 100 percent fissionable uranium. Because of this difference, nuclear power plants cannot explode.

-          The Finns had difficulty supplying their troops with ammunition, whereas the Russians had an unlimited supply and a vastly superior system of communication.

-          Hydrogen can be used as a motor fuel, whereas neither nuclear nor solar energy can be used directly for powering an automobile.

Example of Nevertheless

Negative ( - )  to Positive ( + )

-      Nuclear fission produces highly toxic radioactive wastes. Nevertheless, it produces no greenhouse gases.

Positive ( + ) to Negative ( - )

-      Nuclear fission produces no greenhouse gases. However, it does produce highly toxic radioactive wastes.

-      Nuclear wastes can have half-lives of more than 1000 years  and thus present a clear danger to future generations. Nevertheless, Finland has  decided to build yet another nuclear power plant.

Example of However  

- Positive ( + ) to Negative ( - )  

All major studies of the greenhouse effect have concluded that sea level and precipitation will change significantly. However, most engineers and planners implicitly assume that these changes will not occur.

- Situation ( + ) to Problem ( - )

Sampling techniques developed for attribute inspection have traditionally been designed on the basis of perfect human inspection. However, studies in human factors have shown that human inspection is not error free.

- Earlier research ( + ) to Criticism ( - )

The prototype training program proved to be successful in improving inspection accuracy. However, it did not show significant improvements in inspection speed.

Despite/in spite of

• The old farmer works hard in his field in spite of fierce sun
•  Diana is still doing her homework despite being very tired
•  Despite lower carbon dioxide emissions, diesel cars may promote more global warming than gasoline cars.
• In spite of the cooling tend that has been observed for Antarctica as a whole, one region of the continent has actually  contradicted the mean trend and warmed over the same time  period.

But ,yet ,still

•       Ram likes tea, but Anthony likes coffee.

•       These schemes provide a solution, but they are not easy.(with comma)

•       These schemes provide a solution but are not easy.(no comma)

•       Mr. David is rich, yet he is unhappy

•       She can play the piano very well, yet she can’t read music at all.

•       The sun was shining and there was no wind, but it was unusually cold. I thought they would still be alive

•       We still don't know whether there are survivors from the plane crash

•       I still haven't spoken to the manager, so don't know what  my future will be.

 Well that's some we've discussed, next go to Modal Perfect.

           Modal perfect is usually used to express events in the past. Modal perfect used in different conditions according to the forms of modal initially did use modal : Can/could (ability), may/might (possibility) , etc. 

Modal Perfect	Meaning	Example
Could have	We had the ability to do something in the past, but we didn’t do it.	The report is considered nonfactual. Renny could have interviewed some people before writing it.
Would have	We wanted to do something, but we didn’t do it in the end.	I would have finished is last nigh. Now I am still doing my work.
Might have	It is possible that something happened in the past, but we aren’t sure.	We did not see Andra at the meeting. He might have forgotten it.
Should have	It was the right thing to do, but we didn’t do it. We expected something to happen, but it didn’t.	Alex had negative thoughts about you. You should have told him the truth. Lina is disappointed. Her father should have bought her a bicycle.
Must have	We are almost sure something happened in the past.	My younger sister is very happy. She must have got the doll she longed for some time.

Pattern :

·         Modal + have + past participle

·         Could + have + Verb-3

·         Would + have + Verb-3

·         Might + have + Verb-3

·         Should + have + Verb-3

·         Must + have + Verb-3

Should +have +  past participle

When the action did not happen and someone is sorry (regrets) that the action did not happen.

• I failed the test.  I should have studied last night.

• My stomach hurts! I shouldn’t have eaten those four doughnuts.

Must + have + past participle

When you are almost certain that the action happened.  Based on facts or current situation, you conclude that the action happened.

• Joe looks really tired today.  He must have gone to bed late last night.

Could + have +  past participle

When the speaker had the opportunity to do something, but you are not sure he did it.  You can also use it when the action was possible  but you are not sure if it really happened.

• I could have gone to Oxford University but I preferred Harvard University.

Might + have + past participle

When the action was possible, but you are not sure it happened- the same meaning as may have, could have + past participle

• We did not see Andra at the meeting. He might have forgotten it. 

Would + have + past participle

When the action did not happen (conditional)

• The young couple would have purchased the house if it had had two bathrooms.

• The negative form would not have + past participle is used when the action actually happened, but it would not have happened if something else occurred first.

• The pie would not have tasted so sweet if I  had added the correct amount of sugar.

       Well that our discussion on this material, may be understood by the readers and increase our knowledge. Still learning !!