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English grammar

although, even though, despite, however

B1 · Intermediate Joining sentences Questions 10

The rule

All four mark a contrast, but each takes a different thing after it. although and even though take a whole clause: Although it was raining, we walked. despite and in spite of take a noun or an -ing form: Despite the rain, Despite being tired. however joins two SENTENCES and needs a full stop or a semicolon before it and a comma after it: It was raining. However, we walked. Getting this wrong is the single most common mistake in a B1 written task, because the meaning is right and only the shape is wrong.

Pattern

although / even though + CLAUSE · despite / in spite of + NOUN or -ING · . However, …

Examples

  1. Although it was raining, we walked to the shop.

  2. Despite the rain, we walked to the shop.

  3. The flat is small. However, the rent is reasonable.

  4. She got the job in spite of having no experience.

Common mistakes

  • Wrong: Despite it was raining, we walked.

    Right: Although it was raining, we walked.

    despite cannot take a clause with a verb in it.

  • Wrong: Although the rain, we walked.

    Right: Despite the rain, we walked.

    although needs a subject and a verb after it.

  • Wrong: It was late, however we stayed.

    Right: It was late. However, we stayed.

    however needs a full stop before it and a comma after it.

Practice questions

Try each one yourself first, then open “Show answer” for the solution and the reason.

  1. 1Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Although the flat was small, we took it.
    2. Despite the flat was small, we took it.
    3. Although of the small flat, we took it.
    4. However the flat was small, we took it.
    Show answer

    Answer: A Although the flat was small, we took it.

    although introduces a full clause.

  2. 2Choose the correct sentence.

    1. Although the noise, I slept well.
    2. Despite of the noise, I slept well.
    3. Despite that the noise, I slept well.
    4. Despite the noise, I slept well.
    Show answer

    Answer: D Despite the noise, I slept well.

    despite takes a noun with no of.

  3. 3Choose the correct sentence.

    1. In spite of she felt ill, she came to work.
    2. In spite of feeling ill, she came to work.
    3. In spite feeling ill, she came to work.
    4. Despite of feeling ill, she came to work.
    Show answer

    Answer: B In spite of feeling ill, she came to work.

    in spite of + -ing keeps the of.

  4. 4Choose the correct sentence.

    1. The course is expensive. However it is worth it.
    2. The course is expensive, however it is worth it.
    3. The course is expensive, however, it is worth it.
    4. The course is expensive. However, it is worth it.
    Show answer

    Answer: D The course is expensive. However, it is worth it.

    A full stop before However and a comma after it.

  5. 5Fill in the gap.

    _____ he had studied hard, he failed the test.

    1. Even though
    2. However
    3. In spite of
    4. Despite
    Show answer

    Answer: A Even though he had studied hard, he failed the test.

    A clause follows, so even though.

  6. 6Fill in the gap.

    _____ his age, he still works six days a week.

    1. Even though
    2. Despite
    3. Although
    4. However
    Show answer

    Answer: B Despite his age, he still works six days a week.

    A noun follows, so despite.

  7. 7Fill in the gap.

    The room was cold. _____, nobody complained.

    1. Although
    2. In spite of
    3. Despite
    4. However
    Show answer

    Answer: D The room was cold. However, nobody complained.

    Between two sentences, However with a comma.

  8. 8Fill in the gap.

    She passed the exam _____ missing three weeks of class.

    1. despite
    2. even though
    3. although
    4. however
    Show answer

    Answer: A She passed the exam despite missing three weeks of class.

    An -ing form follows, and only despite can take one.

  9. 9Put the words in the right order.

    Although the bus was late we got there on time

    Show answer

    Answer: Although the bus was late we got there on time.

    although opens the contrast clause, and the main clause follows.

  10. 10Put the words in the right order.

    Despite the cost we decided to go ahead

    Show answer

    Answer: Despite the cost we decided to go ahead.

    despite + noun, then the main clause.

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