Though, although, despite, in spite of

Though and although are conjunctions. They are followed by an adverb clause.

Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They are followed by nouns.

Exercise

Complete the following sentences.

1. We went out …………………….. the hailstorm. (despite / though)

2. We went out …………………… it was snowing. (despite / though)

3. She passed her exam ……………………. having a bad teacher. (in spite of / although)

4. She failed her exam ……………………. she had a good teacher. (although / despite)

5. ………………….. having made a spirited effort, we couldn’t win the contract. (Despite / Although)

6. We understood him …………………… him strong accent. (though / despite)

7. …………………… having worked very hard, she failed her exam. (In spite of / Although)

8. …………………… the watch was expensive, I decided to buy it. (Though / In spite of)

9. ………………………. having a degree in commerce, he can’t fill out his tax form. (In spite of / Though)

10. …………………… I had a headache, I enjoyed the movie. (Although / Despite)

Answers

1. We went out despite the hailstorm.

2. We went out though it was snowing.

3. She passed her exam in spite of having a bad teacher.

4. She failed her exam although she had a good teacher.

5. Despite having made a spirited effort, we couldn’t win the contract.

6. We understood him despite his strong accent.

7. In spite of having worked very hard, she failed her exam.

8. Though the watch was expensive, I decided to buy it.

9. In spite of having a degree in commerce, he can’t fill out his tax form.

10. Although I had a headache, I enjoyed the movie.

Notes

The conjunctions although and though mean the same. Although is slightly more formal.

The prepositions despite and in spite of have the same meaning. Note that in spite of is written as three words.