Contrast machinery: although/though + clause, despite/in spite of + noun/-ing; despite the fact that; though at the end
I can choose between although + clause and despite + noun and dodge despite of.
Look at these examples. Can you spot the grammar pattern?
Despite the delay, the orchestra played the full programme - although the encore was shorter.
Despite the delay, the orchestra played the full programme - although the encore was shorter.
In spite of being the youngest, she organized the whole reunion. Nobody helped, though.
In spite of being the youngest, she organized the whole reunion. Nobody helped, though.
Pay attention to the highlighted parts. What do they have in common?
Same meaning, different machinery:
| Connector | Takes | Example |
|---|---|---|
| although / though | a clause (subject + verb) | Although it rained, we hiked. |
| despite / in spite of | noun or -ing | Despite the rain, we hiked. Despite being tired... |
| despite the fact that | a clause (escape hatch) | Despite the fact that it rained... |
No of after despite: *despite of is the classic error (in spite OF, but despite alone). Spoken though can trail: It was fun, though.
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises
Practice Exercisesof after despite
despite alone; in spite OF
Clause after despite
despite + noun/-ing; clause needs although
Despite the delay, the orchestra played the full programme - although the encore was shorter.
Despite the delay, the orchestra played the full programme - although the encore was shorter.
despite + noun, although + clause in one sentence.
In spite of being the youngest, she organized the whole reunion. Nobody helped, though.
In spite of being the youngest, she organized the whole reunion. Nobody helped, though.
in spite of + -ing; trailing though.
Practice in course
Apply this grammar in B1 course exercises