Although, despite or however? Linking contrast correctly

The rule

Use although + a clause: Although it rained, we went out. Use despite + a noun or -ing: Despite the rain…, Despite feeling tired…, never despite of. However usually starts a new sentence and is followed by a comma: It rained. However, we went out.

Arabic على الرغم من and French malgré or bien que can match all three, so learners write despite of the rain or Despite it rained. The three words share a meaning, but each needs different grammar.

Examples

In a conversation

A: How was the exam?

B: Hard. Although I revised a lot, I didn't finish the last question.

A: Despite that, I'm sure you did your best.

B: I hope so. However, I'm glad it's over!

Practice

Choose the best answer. The answers are at the end of the lesson.

1. ___ the traffic, we arrived on time.
   • a) Although
   • b) Despite
   • c) Despite of
2. ___ she studied hard, she found the test difficult.
   • a) Although
   • b) Despite
   • c) However
3. The course was short. ___ it was very useful.
   • a) Although
   • b) Despite
   • c) However,

Tip

In spite of does take of: in spite of the rain. And however can also come in the middle of a sentence, between commas: The plan, however, was too expensive.

Answers

1. b) Despite. A noun follows, so use despite, without of.
2. a) Although. A full clause follows, so use although.
3. c) However,. At the start of a new sentence, use However with a comma.

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