At a glance
- Start
- Is there a subject + verb after it?Yesalthough / though / even thoughAlthough it rained, we went out.
- Is there a noun or an -ing form after it?Yesdespite / in spite ofDespite the rain, we went out.
- Does it start a new sentence?YesHowever,It rained. However, we went out.
- Comparing two different thingswhereas / whileI like tea, whereas my sister likes coffee.
| Word | Example |
|---|---|
| although | Although it was cold, we swam. |
| despite + noun | Despite the cold, we swam. |
| in spite of + -ing | In spite of feeling cold, we swam. |
| despite the fact that + clause | Despite the fact that it was cold, we swam. |
| however | It was cold. However, we swam. |
| but | It was cold, but we swam. |
In pictures
Although it was raining, they played football.
Despite the rain, they played football.
In spite of being ill, she went to school.
I like tea, whereas my brother likes coffee.
Common mistakes
Even though, though, however much
- even though is stronger than although: Even though I was very tired, I finished the work.
- though can go at the end in speech: It was cold. We swam, though.
- however + adjective / adverb = no matter how: However hard I try, I can't win.
Practice
Answer the questions. Get 7 out of 10 to finish this lesson.