Lesson

Although/though/even though In spite/despite

Concession

≈ 15 min 8 block(s)

Text

Although / Though / Even though — In spite of / Despite

These expressions are used to show contrast — they link ideas that conflict or surprise. Some are conjunctions that connect clauses; others are prepositions that must be followed by a noun phrase or -ing form.

  • Although, though, and even though are conjunctions: they connect a subject + verb (a clause).
  • In spite of and despite are prepositions: they must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or an -ing form (not a full clause).
  • You can also use despite + the fact that to introduce a clause when necessary.

Table

Forms and Examples

Form Use Example
Although / Though / Even though + clause Contrast between two clauses Although the client raised concerns, we approved the budget.
In spite of / Despite + noun / -ing Contrast using a noun phrase In spite of the delay, the launch was successful.
Despite + the fact that + clause Formal alternative to use a clause after despite Despite the fact that sales were down, the company made a profit.
Though (at the end) Informal, adds contrast or concession The plan is risky. It works, though.

Tip

Key rule: Conjunctions vs Prepositions

Remember the basic difference:

  • Use although / though / even though + subject + verb (a clause): Although we were late, we presented on time.
  • Use in spite of / despite + noun / pronoun / -ing: Despite the delay, we presented on time.
  • If you need a clause after despite, use despite + the fact that: Despite the fact that we were late, we presented on time.

If you see a full clause (subject + verb) after the word, choose although/though/even though — otherwise use in spite of / despite + noun or -ing.

Example

Examples in context

Although the client raised concerns, we approved the budget.

Even though the team worked late, they met the deadline.

In spite of the minor delays, the product launch was successful.

Despite having limited data, the analyst made a confident forecast.

Tip

Common mistakes to avoid

Watch out for these universal errors:

  • Using despite + a full clause directly: incorrect → 'Despite the team were late...'.
  • Using although/though without a clause: incorrect → 'Although the delay.'
  • Omitting 'of' after 'in spite': incorrect → 'In spite the delay'.
  • Writing 'despite of' — this form is incorrect.
  • Confusing placement: though can appear at the end for informal contrast, but in formal writing prefer conjunctions at the start or middle.

When in doubt, check whether you have a full clause (use although) or a noun phrase/-ing (use despite/in spite of).

Quiz

Choose the correct sentence:

Hint: Think: which words take a clause after them?

Quiz

Complete: The meeting went ahead _____ the heavy rain.

Hint: Think about a preposition that is followed by a noun.

Quiz

Which sentence uses 'despite' correctly?

Hint: Focus on the word immediately after 'despite'.

Key Points

GrammarPoint

although

conjunction CEFR B1 //ɔːlˈðəʊ//

introduces a subordinate clause expressing contrast

Although the figures were weak, the CEO remained optimistic.

GrammarPoint

even though

conjunction CEFR B2 //ˈiːvən ðəʊ//

a stronger form of although emphasizing surprise or contrast

Even though profits fell, the staff received bonuses.

GrammarPoint

despite

preposition CEFR B1 //dɪˈspaɪt//

used before a noun, pronoun, or -ing form to show contrast

Despite the delay, the team delivered the report.

Expression

in spite of

preposition CEFR B2 //ɪn spaɪt əv//

equivalent to 'despite', used before a noun phrase to show contrast

In spite of the budget cut, the project continued.

GrammarPoint

despite the fact that

conjunctional phrase CEFR C1 //dɪˈspaɪt ðə fækt ðæt//

formal structure used to introduce a clause after 'despite'

Despite the fact that negotiations failed, both sides agreed to meet again.

Expression

though (end position)

conjunction / adverbial usage CEFR B2 //ðəʊ//

can be used at the end of a sentence for an informal contrast or concession

The proposal is expensive. It might work, though.