“Although” and “despite” both express contrast: something happens even though a fact would make us expect the opposite. The difference is grammar: although is followed by a clause (subject + verb), despite by a noun or an -ing form.
Form
| Structure | Example |
|---|---|
| although / even though + subject + verb | Although it was cold, we went out. |
| despite / in spite of + noun / -ing | Despite the cold, we went out. |
| despite the fact that + clause | Despite the fact that it was cold… |
When to use it
- Although + clause: Although he is rich, he lives simply.
- Despite + noun: Despite his wealth, he lives simply.
- Despite + -ing: Despite being rich, he lives simply.
- “In spite of” has the same meaning and pattern as despite (never “despite of”).
- “Even though” is stronger than although.
Examples
- Although she was tired, she kept working.
- Despite the rain, we had a picnic.
- In spite of being ill, he went to work.
- Even though I studied, I failed.
- He didn't get the job despite his experience.
- She smiled although she felt sad.
Common mistakes
- A clause after despite: Despite it was raining → Although it was raining / Despite the rain.
- “Despite of”: despite or in spite of.
- “Although … but”: Although it was late, but we stayed → Although it was late, we stayed.