The evidence looked persuasive at first. ________, a closer inspection revealed several major flaws.

The route is shorter; ________, it is far more dangerous in bad weather.

The committee accepted the proposal. It did, ________, demand a number of substantial revisions.

The software is efficient and, ________, surprisingly easy to maintain.

There is, ________, no guarantee that the policy will remain in place next year.

The scholarship is generous. The application process is, ________, extremely competitive.

We expected the lecture to be dull; it was, ________, both lively and thought-provoking.

The town appears quiet from a distance. Up close, ________, it is full of energy and noise.

On the one hand, the merger could reduce costs; ________, it might weaken the company’s identity.

On the one hand, the apartment is ideally located. ________, the rent is well above our budget.

On the one hand, publishing quickly allows the team to respond to events. ________, it increases the risk of avoidable errors.

The plan would simplify reporting on the one hand; ________, it would create extra work for local managers.

On the one hand, online classes offer flexibility; ________, they can limit spontaneous interaction.

On the one hand, the candidate has excellent technical skills. ________, she has very little leadership experience.

On the one hand, stricter rules may improve safety. ________, they may also discourage innovation.

On the one hand, the museum attracts large numbers of tourists; ________, local residents rarely visit it.

The first speaker relied heavily on statistics. ________, the second focused almost entirely on personal stories.

The northern provinces experienced severe drought. ________, the southern coast received record rainfall.

Her early work was dense and theoretical. The later essays, ________, are clear and accessible.

The old regulations were vague and inconsistent. The new ones are, ________, remarkably precise.

The living room was decorated in dark colours. The kitchen, ________, was bright and minimalist.

Sales in the domestic market declined sharply. Overseas demand, ________, remained stable throughout the year.

The original manuscript was badly organised. The revised version is, ________, structured with impressive clarity.

The first trial produced only limited benefits. ________, the second showed clear clinical improvement.

________ the task was demanding, the team completed it ahead of schedule.

________ she had revised thoroughly, she still found the oral exam intimidating.

The proposal was approved, ________ several board members had serious reservations about it.

The house looks ordinary from the street, ________ its interior is surprisingly elegant.

________ the road was officially closed, some drivers continued to use it.

________ he had been warned repeatedly, he ignored the safety instructions.

She remained remarkably calm, ________ the reporters kept pressing her for a response.

________ the data was incomplete, the researchers were able to draw a cautious conclusion.

Some residents welcomed the redevelopment plan, ________ many shop owners opposed it.

________ not especially cheap, the device is far more reliable than its competitors.

The coastal route is more scenic, ________ the inland road is usually quicker.

________ the data is incomplete, it still suggests a clear decline in demand.

Her written comments were brief, ________ in meetings she often spoke at length.

The original plan focused on rapid expansion, ________ the revised version emphasizes long-term stability.

________ the apartment is small, its location makes it highly desirable.

Sales rose in urban areas, ________ in smaller towns they remained almost unchanged.

________ the earlier draft, the final report includes full references and a glossary.

The final report, ________ the earlier draft, includes full references and a glossary.

This winter has been ________ any season the region has experienced in decades.

Her response was ________ anything we had expected from such an experienced diplomat.

________ in previous elections, turnout was highest in the cities this year.

The updated chair feels, ________ the old model, stable even on uneven floors.

Their working style is ________ that of most consultancy firms in the sector.

________ his public speeches, his private emails are terse and impatient.