Use of although, even though, (so/as) much (as/like), while.

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Hi guys,

While doing Sentence Correction questions, I realised that one of my problems is that I don't know very well the correct use AND MEANING of :
- although,
- even though,
- while (especially at the beginning of a sentence)
- yet
- whereas

I've tried to look at examples and meaning online, but to no avail. Could someone please end my pain?

Thanks.
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by hemant_rajput » Tue Oct 15, 2013 9:35 am
Although binds two contradictory ideas together into one idea with the main idea ruling over the subordinate idea. Hence the order of the ideas is insignificant because whatever follows the conjunction although becomes marginalized. (in the complex sentence structure)

"I had to leave the country although the several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider" (the writer left)

means exactly the same as

"Although the several binding contracts that could keel up my business made me reconsider, I had to leave the country " (the writer left)

Although\while\Even though\yet\whereas can be used interchangeably. I really not sure if GMAT will ever put you in such situation where you have to make decision among these words; however, if you have some particular question in mind post it over here and I'm happy to help.
I'm no expert, just trying to work on my skills. If I've made any mistakes please bear with me.

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by vinay1983 » Tue Oct 15, 2013 10:21 am
You can, for example never foretell what any one man will do, but you can say with precision what an average number will be up to!

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by shakas » Wed Oct 16, 2013 2:42 am
hmant-rajput : it is more about understanding the main sentence first, before even looking at the answers.
Vinay1983, the link you provided is one of the questions I got stuck on for a long time, great topic!

Thank you guys.
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by hemant_rajput » Wed Oct 16, 2013 3:51 am
I'm not sure what your previous text mean, anyways, the question that vinay has posted really don't require you to make decision based among these alternatives. I've replied in that post may be it is of some help.

cheers,
Hemant
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by theCodeToGMAT » Wed Oct 16, 2013 4:33 am
Shakas, you will definitely find more point(s) of elimination even if you don't know the structural usage of these constructs. One thing is for sure, all these constructs are comparing/contrasting events.

However, I know about two of them.. "Although" and "Even Though"

Although X, Y --> X is Positive Event and Y is negative
Example: Although Brian studied a lot for the exam, he failed

Even though X, Y ---> X is Negative & Y is Positive
Example: Even though Brian did not study for exam, he passed.
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