00 / Clauses & Questions
Despite / In spite of / Although
These connectors show contrast between two ideas. They explain that something happened even though there was a reason for it not to happen.
B1Intermediate
01 / Overview
Although, despite, and in spite of all have the same basic meaning. They connect a surprising or contrasting result to a specific situation. The main difference is the grammatical structure that follows them.
02 / Using Although
although + subject + verb
Use although before a full clause. This means you must include a subject and a verb after it.
03 / Using Despite and In Spite Of
despite / in spite of + noun / -ing form
Use despite or in spite of before a noun, a pronoun, or a verb ending in -ing. Do not use a subject and a verb directly after these words.
04 / Grammar Comparison
Note that despite does not use the word 'of'. Only in spite of requires it.
| Connector | Followed by... | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Although | Subject + Verb | Although it was cold... |
| Despite | Noun / -ing | Despite the cold... |
| In spite of | Noun / -ing | In spite of the cold... |
05 / Examples
06 / Common mistakes
Despite of the rain, we went out.
Despite the rain, we went out.
Do not use 'of' after despite.
Although the rain, we went out.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Although must be followed by a clause with a verb.
07 / Practice
Complete the sentence: ______ having a headache, he enjoyed the party.
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Answer: Despite / In spite of
Why: The sentence uses an -ing verb (having), so you must use despite or in spite of.
Complete the sentence: ______ it was expensive, I bought the phone.
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Answer: Although
Why: The sentence uses a subject (it) and a verb (was), which requires although.
Correct the error: Despite of the noise, I slept well.
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Answer: Despite the noise, I slept well.
Why: The word despite is never followed by 'of'.