CONTRASTIVE DEPENDENCY: WHILE, WHEREAS, BUT FOR THE FACT THAT
Meanings of contrast and exception similar to those encoded by coordination can also be expressed by dependency. The conjunctions whereas and while introduce finite subordinate clauses which contrast in some way with the main clause, particularly when there is some point of similarity between the two, as in:
Jamie already speaks two foreign languages, whereas her brother hasn’t yet learned any.
Michelle, 24, works in an electronics factory, while Colette, 15, is still at school.
But for the fact that and except express the meaning of exception:
I would take you to the station, except that the car is being repaired.
It would have been a disaster, but for the fact that everyone helped to save the situation.
