Although / though / despite

These words show contrast: the second thing happens against what you'd expect from the first (it rained, but we still went out). The key is what comes after each word.

The although clause can go at the start (add a comma) or in the middle of the sentence. Though means the same but is more informal. Even though is stronger — “although it's really true that…”. Even on its own can't join two clauses.

• Although the flat is small, it's very comfortable.

• We kept walking even though our feet hurt.

• Even though I've lived here for ten years, I still get lost in the Old Quarter.

• I like my job. The pay isn't great, though.

  though at the end = but, informal

💡Some languages use a pair like “although … but …”. English uses only one linking word: either although or but, never both. Although it was late, we kept talking. / It was late, but we kept talking.

Despite and in spite of mean the same. After them comes a noun, a pronoun (this, that, everything…) or -ing. Remember: despite has no of; in spite always needs of. To follow them with a full clause, add the fact that.

• Despite the traffic, we got to the airport on time.

• In spite of his age, my grandfather still plays badminton every morning.

• She failed the test despite studying all week.

  the -ing has the same subject as the main clause

• Minh was exhausted, but despite this he finished the report.

• Despite the fact that it was a public holiday, the shop was open.

The same idea can use although (+ clause) or despite (+ noun / -ing). These two match the pair for reasons: because / because of.

• Although I was very tired, I couldn't sleep.

• Despite being very tired, I couldn't sleep.

  despite + -ing

• We went out in spite of the rain.

• We stayed in because of the rain.

💡Quick check: if a finite verb (was, is, had, can…) follows the gap → although / even though. If only a noun or -ing follows → despite / in spite of.

But joins two ideas in one sentence. However starts a new sentence (usually with a comma after it) or follows a semicolon, and it is more formal than but. In careful writing, don't join two clauses with just a comma + however.

• The hotel was lovely. However, the food was disappointing.

• The hotel was lovely, but the food was disappointing.

• The hotel was lovely; however, the food was disappointing.

  formal

💡Even though is about a fact (although it is true), while even if is about a possibility (whether or not it happens): Even though it's raining, I'll go (it is raining). Even if it rains, I'll go (maybe it will, maybe not).

• ✗Although it was late, but we kept talking.

  ✓Although it was late, we kept talking. / It was late, but we kept talking.

  Use only one linking word.

• ✗Despite of the noise, the baby slept well.

  ✓Despite the noise / In spite of the noise, the baby slept well.

  Despite has no of.

• ✗We had fun in spite the rain.

  ✓We had fun in spite of the rain.

  In spite needs of.

• ✗Despite it was cold, we went swimming.

  ✓Although it was cold, we went swimming. / Despite the cold, we went swimming.

  Despite isn't followed by a clause.

• ✗Although the bad weather, the match went ahead.

  ✓Despite the bad weather, the match went ahead.

  Although needs a clause.

• ✗Even I was tired, I couldn't sleep.

  ✓Even though I was tired, I couldn't sleep.

  Even alone can't join clauses.