Linking words: pero, sin embargo, por eso

Q: What is the difference between pero and sin embargo?

Both express contrast. pero is neutral and joins two clauses in one sentence; sin embargo is more formal and usually starts a new sentence.

Q: How do I use commas with sin embargo?

Put a comma right after sin embargo. Before it, use a period or a semicolon: Es tarde; sin embargo, vamos a salir.

Q: What is the difference between por eso and porque?

porque introduces the cause ('because'), while por eso introduces the result ('that is why'). Llegué tarde porque perdí el autobús, but Perdí el autobús, por eso llegué tarde.

Q: When do I use sino instead of pero?

Use sino when the first part is negative and the second corrects it: No es azul, sino verde. If the second part just adds a contrasting idea, use pero.

Q: Are there alternatives to por eso?

Yes: así que is very common in speech, and por lo tanto is more formal and typical of writing.

Grammar path · Lesson 58 of 86 · Stage B1 · Complex sentences

These three connectors let you build longer, more natural sentences instead of short, choppy ones. pero ('but') joins two contrasting ideas inside one sentence, usually after a comma: Es caro, pero es bueno. sin embargo ('however') also shows contrast, but it sounds more formal and usually starts a new sentence or clause, followed by a comma. por eso ('that is why', 'so') is not about contrast at all: it introduces the result of what you just said. Learners often mix up por eso and porque: porque gives the cause, while por eso gives the consequence.

Practise this lesson · 9 sentences

Form

Contrast with perofrase A, pero frase B

Quiero ir a la fiesta, pero tengo que trabajar.I want to go to the party, but I have to work.

Contrast with sin embargofrase A. Sin embargo, frase B

Estudió mucho. Sin embargo, no aprobó el examen.He studied a lot. However, he didn't pass the exam.

Result with por esofrase A, por eso frase B

Estaba muy cansada, por eso me acosté temprano.I was very tired, so I went to bed early.

When to use it

Everyday contrast in conversation

Use pero to join two opposing ideas in the same sentence. It is the most natural and common choice in speech.

Me gusta el café, pero no lo tomo por la noche.I like coffee, but I don't drink it at night.

La casa es pequeña, pero es muy cómoda.The house is small, but it's very comfortable.

Formal or emphatic contrast

Sin embargo usually opens a new sentence or follows a semicolon, with a comma after it. It suits writing, formal speech, or stressing a surprising outcome.

El hotel era caro. Sin embargo, valió la pena.The hotel was expensive. However, it was worth it.

Llovió toda la mañana; sin embargo, el partido se jugó.It rained all morning; however, the match was played.

Stating a result

Por eso introduces the consequence of what was just said. The first idea is the cause, the part after por eso is the result.

Perdí el autobús, por eso llegué tarde.I missed the bus, so I arrived late.

Mi hermana vive en México. Por eso habla español tan bien.My sister lives in Mexico. That's why she speaks Spanish so well.

Signal words

perosin embargopor esono obstanteaun asípor lo tantoasí que

Don't confuse it with

Aunque + indicative or subjunctive

Pero and sin embargo sit between the two ideas and introduce the contrasting part; aunque introduces the concession itself and can open the sentence. Llueve, pero salgo means about the same as Aunque llueve, salgo. After pero or sin embargo the verb never switches to the subjunctive, while after aunque you must choose between indicative and subjunctive.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between pero and sin embargo?

Both express contrast. pero is neutral and joins two clauses in one sentence; sin embargo is more formal and usually starts a new sentence.

How do I use commas with sin embargo?

Put a comma right after sin embargo. Before it, use a period or a semicolon: Es tarde; sin embargo, vamos a salir.

What is the difference between por eso and porque?

porque introduces the cause ('because'), while por eso introduces the result ('that is why'). Llegué tarde porque perdí el autobús, but Perdí el autobús, por eso llegué tarde.

When do I use sino instead of pero?

Use sino when the first part is negative and the second corrects it: No es azul, sino verde. If the second part just adds a contrasting idea, use pero.

Are there alternatives to por eso?

Yes: así que is very common in speech, and por lo tanto is more formal and typical of writing.

More in Sentences and connectors

Question words: qué, dónde, cuándo…A1 Negation: no, nunca, nada, nadieA1 Real conditions: si + presentB1 Relative clauses: que, quien, dondeB1 Reported speech: dice que…B1 Unreal conditions: si + imperfect subjunctiveB2 Past unreal conditions: si hubiera…B2 Reported speech in the past: dijo que…B2 Relative clauses with prepositions: en el que, con quienB2 Cause and concession: como, ya que, a pesar de queB2 Sequence of tensesC1 Other conditional forms: a no ser que, de + infinitive, con tal de queC1 Result and purpose: de modo que, a fin de queC1

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