Conjunctions

although – though – even though – despite – in spite of

When we want to say something positive and something negative in the same sentence, we can use one of the following forms:

Although (though – less formal) and even though have exactly the same meaning and have exactly the same grammatical construction.

• Although (though) she is poor, she is happy.
• Although (though) they played well, they lost the game.
• Even though she was tired, she went out.
• Even though he eats a lot, he is not overweight.

In spite of and despite have exactly the same meaning and have exactly the same grammatical construction.

• Despite being poor, she is happy.
• Despite playing well, they lost the game.
• In spite of being tired, she went out.
• In spite of eating a lot, he is not overweight.

This form is less common but possible:

• We enjoyed our camping holiday in spite of the rain. (in spite of + noun)
• In spite of her tiredness, she went out. (in spite of + noun phrase)
• Despite the pain in his leg he completed the marathon. (despite + noun)
• Despite having all the qualifications, they didn’t offer me the job. (despite + noun phrase)

Though is more informal and we use it more in conversation than written English.

• I’m poor. I’m happy though.
• They lost. They played well though.
• She was tired. She went out though.
• He’s thin. He eats a lot though.