Though, despite, although etc clauses of contrast

How to use: even though, although, in spite of, though, despite

Clauses of contrast

These words are used to show a contrast between two situations like these:

• A) It was raining
• B) I went out on my bike
• or
• C) Irene is 85 years old
• D) She drives everyday
• or
• E) Alfred is happy in his new job
• F) there are a lot of things to learn

We can combine these two parts (A and B; C and D; E and F) with one of these:

• though
• although
• even though
• in spite of
• despite

NOTE: they are used in different ways:

Although

• Although it was raining, I went out on my bike.
• I went out on my bike although it was raining.
• – with although we use a verb clause
• – although can be used at the start or the middle of a sentence

Though

• I like John though he often annoys me.
• – though is used with a verb clause.
• – though is more informal than although.
• – though can only be used in the middle of the sentence to link the first and second clauses.

 Even though

• Even though Irene is 85 years old, she still drives everyday.
• Irene drives everyday even though she is 85 years old.
• – Even though can be used at the beginning or the middle of a sentence.
• – Even though is stronger than although, we use it to express a large or surprising contrast.
• – Even though is used with a verb clause.

in spite of

• In spite of her age Irene still drives everyday.
• Irene still drives everyday in spite of being 85.
• – After in spite of, use a noun
•    or
• – a verb in the -ing form (gerund)

despite of

• Despite being happy in his new job there are still a lot of new things to learn.
• There are still a lot of new things to learn despite being happy in his new job.
• After despite, use a noun
•   or
• – a verb in the -ing form (gerund)
•   or
• – despite the fact that + subject + verb (Despite the fact that he has to learn a lot of new things , he is happy in his new job

NOT despite of the bad weather ….

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