in spite of / despite / although
In spite of, despite and although are all used to show a contrast but there are differences in the structures used with them.
In spite of / despite
After in spite of and despite we use a noun or a pronoun.
- We enjoyed our camping holiday in spite of the rain.
- Despite the pain in his leg he completed the marathon.
- Despite having all the necessary qualifications, they didn’t offer me the job.
Remember that the gerund (‘-ing’ form) is the ‘noun’ form of a verb.
The only difference between in spite of and despite is the ‘of’.
Despite of the bad weather, there was a large crowd at the match.
Although
After although we use a subject and a verb.
- We enjoyed our camping holiday although it rained every day.
- Although he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.
- The holiday was great although the hotel wasn’t very nice.
We can use in spite of and despite with a subject and verb if we include the expression ‘the fact that’.
- In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.
- Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.
Even though
Even though is a slightly stronger form of although.
- We decided to buy the house even though we didn’t really have enough money.
- You keep making that stupid noise even though I’ve asked you to stop three times.
Like although, even though is followed by a subject and a verb.
