Although, despite, however and whereas
These words all show contrast but take different grammar: although + clause, despite + noun or -ing, however between sentences, whereas to compare two facts.
How it works
- Although / even though + clause: Although it was raining, we went out. Even though is stronger.
- Despite / in spite of + noun or -ing: Despite the rain, we went out. In spite of feeling ill, she came.
- Despite the fact that + clause: Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out.
- However starts a new sentence or follows a semicolon, with a comma after it: The hotel was cheap. However, it was very noisy.
- Whereas / while compare two different facts: My brother loves maths, whereas I prefer languages.
- Don't use although and but together: Although it was late, we stayed (not Although it was late, but we stayed).
Examples
Although the hotel was cheap, the rooms were very clean.
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
In spite of having a cold, she sang beautifully.
The course is expensive. However, it is worth every penny.
Northern Vietnam has four seasons, whereas the south has only two.
Common mistakes
Wrong: Although he is rich,
buthe is not happy.Right: Although he is rich, he is not happy.
Wrong:
Despiteit was cold, we went swimming.Right: Although it was cold, we went swimming.
Wrong: The phone is
good, howeverit is expensive.Right: The phone is good; however, it is expensive.
Wrong: In spite of
I wastired, I finished the essay.Right: In spite of being tired, I finished the essay.
Practice
1 of 16Choose the answer that fits.
Level: EGP Discourse markers and Clauses (contrast): although and however are B1; despite/in spite of + noun or -ing, whereas and even though are controlled at B2. Written for Gloss.