Contrast and Concession

B1 · IntermediateConjunctions & Linking Words

Although it was raining, we went out. Despite the rain, we went out. It was raining. Nevertheless, we went out. Same idea, three patterns.

What you'll learn

  • Although, even though, and though are followed by a full clause
  • Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or an -ing form — never a full clause
  • However and nevertheless are linking adverbs, connecting two separate sentences (see Linking Words)
  • But (a coordinating conjunction) is the most casual option, joining two clauses with just a comma

One idea, three grammatical patterns

Contrast and concession — showing that something happens despite an obstacle or in contrast to expectation — can be expressed in three different grammatical ways, and the right choice depends on what follows.

"Although it was raining, we went out."
"Despite the rain, we went out."

although / even though / though + clause

These subordinating conjunctions are followed by a full clause with its own subject and verb. Even though is slightly stronger/more emphatic than although; though can also go at the end of a sentence informally.

"Although it was raining, we went out."
"Even though he was tired, he kept working."
"It was a great trip. Expensive, though."

despite / in spite of + noun or -ing

These are followed by a noun phrase or an -ing form — never a full clause with its own subject and verb.

"Despite the rain, we went out."
"In spite of losing the match, the team stayed positive."

however / nevertheless — linking adverbs

Like the linking adverbs covered in Linking Words, however and nevertheless connect two separate sentences and need a period or semicolon before them, not just a comma.

"The film was long. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it."
"The plan was risky; however, it worked."

Real English

"Though it was late, she decided to call."
"Despite having no experience, she got the job."
"The hike was exhausting. Nevertheless, the view was worth it."
"He's quiet, but his brother is very outgoing."

Watch out

✗Despite it was raining, we went out.
✓Despite the rain, we went out.

'Despite' can't be followed by a full clause — use a noun phrase, or switch to 'although' before the clause.

✗Despite of the rain, we went out.
✓Despite the rain, we went out.

'Despite' never takes 'of' — that's only used after 'in spite of.'

✗The film was long, nevertheless we enjoyed it.
✓The film was long. Nevertheless, we enjoyed it.

'Nevertheless' is a linking adverb — it needs a period or semicolon before it, not just a comma.

Real life — Talking about a decision

"You still bought the tickets, even though they were so expensive?"

"Yeah — despite the price, I really wanted to go."

"Fair enough. It's risky, but I hope it's worth it."

"It will be. The concert was sold out. Nevertheless, I managed to get seats."

Practice

Exercise 1 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 2 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 3 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 4 · Choose the correctly punctuated sentence

Choose the correctly punctuated sentence.

Exercise 5 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 6 · Choose the word followed by a noun/gerund

Which word is followed by a noun or gerund, not a full clause?

Exercise 7 · Choose the word followed by a clause

Which word is followed by a full clause?

Exercise 8 · Choose the correct sentence

Choose the correct sentence.

Exercise 9 · Rewrite using 'despite'

Rewrite using 'despite': 'It was expensive. We bought it anyway.' (one sentence)

Exercise 10 · Rewrite using 'although'

Rewrite using 'although': 'It was expensive. We bought it anyway.'

Exercise 11 · Sort into groups

although
even though
despite
in spite of
while
though

0 / 6 sorted

Quick challenge

Five quick questions to check what stuck.

Question 1 / 5

Score: 0/0

Choose the correct sentence.

You learned

  • Although, even though, and though are followed by a full clause.
  • Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or -ing form, never a clause.
  • However and nevertheless are linking adverbs, connecting two separate sentences.
  • But is the most casual option, joining two clauses with just a comma.

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