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Contrast Connectors

Although and even though introduce concession: Although it rained, we went out. The basic pattern has a subject and verb, but reduced clauses are also possible. Even though emphasises the contrast more strongly; even if expresses a condition.

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Although / Even though + clause

Although: two facts that contrast

Although and even though show one part of a sentence as unexpected against the other. One fact would normally hinder the other outcome, but does not: the bakery opened late, yet a queue was waiting.

English builds this idea with two parts: a dependent clause introduced by the conjunction and a main clause. The conjunction already expresses contrast, so another but is not needed to link the main clause.

Although the bakery opened late, a long queue was already waiting.

Although the bakery opened late, a long queue was already waiting.

The expectation is that a late opening deters customers; the queue is unexpected.

Even though Sam had never played the guitar, he learned a song in a week.

Even though Sam had never played the guitar, he learned a song in a week.

A lack of experience normally slows progress, but not here.

Although the train was crowded, Vera found a seat by the window.

Although the train was crowded, Vera found a seat by the window.

A crowded train, yet a seat was found.

Structure: conjunction + subject + verb

The basic pattern is although/even though + subject + finite verb. Although the delay was long … is correct; although the long delay … does not express this idea. Reduced clauses are also possible: Although tired, she continued.

Ordinary clause rules apply: statement order without inversion, normal negation with do not / does not / did not, has not and so on, and tense chosen for meaning. Do not drop the subject from the finite clause: not Although is cold, but Although it is cold.

How to build it

Although / Even though + subject + verb, main clause

subject / S
—
The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
verb / V
—
A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
clause
—
A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.

Although the library closes at six, students often stay until the guard arrives.

Although the library closes at six, students often stay until the guard arrives.

A present-simple clause with subject the library and verb closes.

Even though Ben has not visited the museum, he knows its history.

Even though Ben has not visited the museum, he knows its history.

Negation within the clause: has not.

Although they were playing quietly, the neighbour complained.

Although they were playing quietly, the neighbour complained.

The past continuous in the clause, with statement order.

Although, though and even though

Although and though share the same meaning and structure. Though is more conversational; although is more frequent in writing and neutral speech. Even though strengthens the unexpected contrast.

Even though consists of two words that stay together. Do not use even although; even alone is not this conjunction. At B1, the three useful forms are although, though and even though.

Although the lesson was short, we covered a lot.

Although the lesson was short, we covered a lot.

A neutral contrast.

Though the sofa is old, it is very comfortable.

Though the sofa is old, it is very comfortable.

Though is a more conversational alternative with the same meaning.

Even though Nina lives next door, we hardly ever meet.

Even though Nina lives next door, we hardly ever meet.

Even though emphasises how surprising the contrast is.

Clause position and commas

The although clause can open the sentence or follow the main clause. The meaning stays the same but emphasis changes: an initial clause foregrounds the obstacle; a final one adds it as a qualification.

When the clause comes first, normally put a comma after it. When it comes last, a comma before the conjunction is optional. Moving the clause requires no other changes: its subject and verb stay inside it.

Although the café was noisy, Lida managed to read her book.

Although the café was noisy, Lida managed to read her book.

The initial clause is followed by a comma.

Lida managed to read her book although the café was noisy.

Lida managed to read her book although the café was noisy.

The same idea with a final clause and no comma.

Do not mechanically duplicate the connection

Carrying over an “although … but …” pattern from another language produces an error in this neutral English construction. The initial conjunction already expresses contrast; but would duplicate its linking role.

In neutral although … sentences, attach the main clause without but. This does not ban every contrast word: still, yet or nevertheless can reinforce concession in a suitable structure. One although is enough for a clear basic sentence.

Although the rope looked old, it held our weight.

Although the rope looked old, it held our weight.

One contrast conjunction; no but introducing the main clause.

The rope looked old, but it held our weight.

The rope looked old, but it held our weight.

But links two independent clauses here; although is not needed.

When the contrast is real

Although and even though suit an outcome that conflicts with expectations. If the outcome follows normally from the first fact, use because, so or another causal expression. A useful check is whether the second fact was expected from the first.

Even though presents the circumstance as a fact or an accepted situation. Even if makes the conclusion hold regardless of whether a condition is met. It does not necessarily prove the speaker lacks knowledge of the fact; it frames the relationship differently.

Although the shop was small, it sold hundreds of different teas.

Although the shop was small, it sold hundreds of different teas.

A small shop with a large selection: an unexpected contrast.

Because the shop was small, it sold only a few teas.

Because the shop was small, it sold only a few teas.

An expected outcome, so no contrast is expressed.

I will wait for you even if the bus is late.

I will wait for you even if the bus is late.

Even if: in this example, a delayed bus is only a possibility, not an established event.

The rule’s limits and related patterns

Despite and in spite of normally take a noun phrase or -ing form; the fact that can introduce a full clause. Although has a different basic subject-and-verb pattern, with reduction possible when the subject is understood.

However and nevertheless are linking adverbs; their punctuation is studied separately. Reduced Although tired or Although living nearby refers to the subject understood from the main clause. A noun description is also possible: Although a beginner, she played well.

Although the concert was free, the hall was half empty.

Although the concert was free, the hall was half empty.

A clause with subject the concert and verb was.

The concert was free. However, the hall was half empty.

The concert was free. However, the hall was half empty.

However connects two sentences here: another construction.

In speech and writing

Although helps acknowledge another person’s point before disagreeing or adding a qualification. This can sound polite: acknowledgment first, then a reservation.

Though and even though are common in speech; although is often used in letters and reviews. All these clause forms are correct. Choose according to tone and how strongly you want to emphasise the contrast.

Although I agree with most of your plan, I have one concern.

Although I agree with most of your plan, I have one concern.

A polite reservation after acknowledgment.

Even though Katya was shy, she spoke first at the meeting.

Even though Katya was shy, she spoke first at the meeting.

A contrast between character and action.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:Although the train was late, but Yuri reached the meeting.

Correct:Although the train was late, Yuri reached the meeting.

Although already expresses contrast, so but is unnecessary as a second linker to this main clause.

Incorrect:Although the long delay, the concert started.

Correct:Although the delay was long, the concert started.

This meaning requires an although clause with subject and verb; the long delay alone is only a noun phrase.

Incorrect:Even although the guitar was old, it sounded warm.

Correct:Even though the guitar was old, it sounded warm.

The conjunction is even though, not even although.

Incorrect:Although did the baker wake up early, he opened late.

Correct:Although the baker woke up early, he opened late.

The clause uses statement order: subject before verb, without an initial auxiliary for question inversion.

Incorrect:Although is cold, we like the lake.

Correct:Although it is cold, we like the lake.

This finite clause needs a subject; weather statements use it.

Sources

Despite / In spite of + noun or -ing

Despite and in spite of: what they mean

Despite and in spite of show that the result is different from what we expect: because of the cold, people usually stay indoors, but we went for a walk anyway.

Both expressions have the same meaning and grammar. Which one you choose depends on habit and sentence rhythm, not on a rule: everything said below applies to both.

Despite the cold, we walked along the beach for an hour.

Despite the cold, we walked along the beach for an hour.

The cold was an obstacle, but the walk happened anyway.

The shop stayed open in spite of the power cut.

The shop stayed open in spite of the power cut.

The same meaning with in spite of: the obstacle is named with a noun phrase.

A preposition, not a conjunction: what comes after it

After despite/in spite of, you can use a noun phrase, pronoun, or an -ing clause that may have its own subject: despite the bus being late. Do not put an ordinary clause with a finite verb immediately after it: despite the bus was late.

That is why a sentence such as “Despite Tom was ill” is incorrect. You must turn the clause into a phrase (see below) or introduce it in another way.

How to build it

Despite / In spite of + noun phrase / pronoun / -ing, main clause

V-ing / -ing
—
The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.
NP / noun phrase
—
A noun phrase: a noun with its dependent words, such as the new student; the pattern treats it as one group of words.
noun
—
A word naming a person, thing or idea: student, book, happiness.
clause
—
A construction with a verb, often with its own subject: when I arrived. A non-finite clause may leave the subject unspoken: to get home.
pronoun
—
A word used instead of naming a person or thing: I, you, she, it, they.

Despite the long journey, the children were full of energy.

Despite the long journey, the children were full of energy.

A noun phrase, the long journey, follows despite.

In spite of this, the team kept training.

In spite of this, the team kept training.

The pronoun this can come after the prepositional expression in spite of.

Despite working two jobs, Dana found time to paint.

Despite working two jobs, Dana found time to paint.

The verb after despite has the -ing form.

Fixed form: despite without of, in spite of with of

Despite is one word, and we do not add of after it. In spite of has three words, and of is required here. That is why despite of and in spite (without of) are the most common mistakes.

We do not use the separate expression in despite of in modern English: choose despite or in spite of.

Despite his fear of heights, Ben climbed to the top.

Despite his fear of heights, Ben climbed to the top.

The of in fear of heights belongs to the expression “fear of heights”, not to despite.

In spite of the small prize, many people entered the contest.

In spite of the small prize, many people entered the contest.

Write in spite of in full, with of.

-ing after despite: being, having, not

The verb after despite or in spite of has the -ing form. For a state, use being + adjective; for possession or experience, use having; and express an earlier event with having + V3. Form the negative with not before the -ing form.

If an -ing form comes immediately after despite/in spite of without its own subject, it refers to the subject of the main clause: in “Despite feeling ill, Tom went to work”, Tom is the one who felt ill. If the subjects are different, use a noun phrase, the fact that, or name the subject before the -ing form (despite the bus being late).

How to build it

despite/in spite of + V-ing; being + quality; having + V3; not + V-ing

verb / V
—
A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.
V3 / past participle
—
The third verb form: worked, gone, seen. Used after have/has or in the passive, for example; it is not always the same as V2.
V-ing / -ing
—
The verb form ending in -ing: working, going. Its role depends on the construction.

Despite being new in the team, Alice suggested a better plan.

Despite being new in the team, Alice suggested a better plan.

Being + adjective expresses a state; the subject is the same: Alice.

In spite of not knowing the city, we found the museum easily.

In spite of not knowing the city, we found the museum easily.

Not comes before the -ing form.

Despite having failed twice, Omar tried the exam again.

Despite having failed twice, Omar tried the exam again.

Having + V3 shows that the failures happened earlier.

How to reduce a clause to a phrase

In English, a full clause cannot normally follow despite or in spite of. So turn the clause into a phrase: an adjective can become a noun or modifier, and a verb can become an -ing form.

There is another option: keep the clause with the fact that. Then all the words of the clause remain, and after despite there is the noun phrase the fact that + subject + verb. This is useful when the subjects are different and an -ing form is awkward.

How to build it

Despite the fact that + subject + verb

subject / S
—
The grammatical subject: who or what the clause is about; the verb agrees with it. In The book was written, the book is the subject, although someone else does the action.
verb / V
—
A word for an action or state, such as work or be. The pattern determines its form.

Despite the icy road, the bus arrived on time.

Despite the icy road, the bus arrived on time.

The clause the road was icy became a noun phrase.

Despite the road being icy, the bus arrived on time.

Despite the road being icy, the bus arrived on time.

The road is the separate subject of the clause with being; this distinguishes the icy road from the subject of the main clause, the bus.

Despite the fact that the road was icy, the bus arrived on time.

Despite the fact that the road was icy, the bus arrived on time.

The clause is kept complete because it comes after the fact that.

Position of the phrase and commas

A phrase with despite or in spite of can come at the beginning or end of a sentence. At the beginning, put a comma after the entire phrase. At the end of a sentence, a comma is not required; you can add one if you want to create a pause.

Do not separate the preposition from its usual continuation with a comma: despite the heat. Possible parenthetical additions have their own punctuation rules; here we are practicing a simple, complete phrase.

Despite the long meeting, Ruth stayed focused.

Despite the long meeting, Ruth stayed focused.

The phrase is at the beginning, with a comma after it.

Ruth stayed focused despite the long meeting.

Ruth stayed focused despite the long meeting.

The phrase is at the end, without a comma.

Ruth stayed focused, in spite of the long meeting.

Ruth stayed focused, in spite of the long meeting.

A comma before the final phrase is possible to create a pause.

Limits of the rule: related connectors

Although and even though also express contrast, but they introduce a full clause: Although Ida was nervous, she spoke clearly. That is a separate rule. Here we are learning the opposite pattern: a phrase follows despite or in spite of.

However and nevertheless are linking words between sentences, not prepositions; they are also studied separately. There is no need to combine despite with but: the contrast is already expressed.

Although Ida was nervous, she spoke clearly.

Although Ida was nervous, she spoke clearly.

The clause after although follows a different rule.

Despite being nervous, Ida spoke clearly.

Despite being nervous, Ida spoke clearly.

The same meaning expressed with despite + -ing.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:Despite of the cold, Max swam in the sea.

Correct:Despite the cold, Max swam in the sea.

Despite is not used with of. Only in spite of is written with of.

Incorrect:In spite the crowd, Eva found her seat.

Correct:In spite of the crowd, Eva found her seat.

In spite of is a fixed three-word expression: of is required.

Incorrect:Despite Tom was ill, he came to work.

Correct:Despite being ill, Tom came to work.

Do not use the finite form was after despite here. Possible forms are despite being ill with the same subject, Tom, or despite the fact that Tom was ill.

Incorrect:Despite working hard, the exam was difficult.

Correct:Despite working hard, Ana found the exam difficult.

The subject of the -ing phrase must be the same as the subject of the main clause: Ana was working, not the exam.

Incorrect:Despite the cold, but Pat went swimming.

Correct:Despite the cold, Pat went swimming.

The contrast is already expressed by despite, so but is unnecessary.

Sources

However / nevertheless

What however and nevertheless do

When the second idea goes against what we expected after the first, we need a marker of contrast. However and nevertheless do this between two sentences: the first creates an expectation, and the second overturns it.

They mean “however,” “nevertheless,” or “despite this.” They do not work like the conjunction but between two independent clauses. At the beginning of a new clause, use a full stop or a semicolon before them; their position is different inside a sentence.

The railway workers were on strike. However, the museum opened on time.

The railway workers were on strike. However, the museum opened on time.

Despite the transport difficulties, the museum was able to open on time; the workers were on strike, not the trains themselves.

She had almost no sleep. Nevertheless, she gave a brilliant talk.

She had almost no sleep. Nevertheless, she gave a brilliant talk.

Lack of sleep usually makes things difficult, but the talk was successful: this is an unexpected contrast.

A full stop before, a comma after

Before the connector, use a mark that ends the first sentence: a full stop (then the connector begins with a capital letter) or a semicolon (then it begins with a lowercase letter). After the connector, use a comma.

The most common mistake is to put only a comma before the connector. A comma cannot join two independent sentences by itself, and however is not a conjunction, so this comma creates a run-on sentence.

How to build it

sentence. However, sentence / sentence; however, sentence

The soup was cold. However, nobody complained.

The soup was cold. However, nobody complained.

A full stop, a capital letter, and a comma after however.

The soup was cold; however, nobody complained.

The soup was cold; however, nobody complained.

A semicolon, a lowercase letter, and a comma after however.

However or nevertheless

Both words occupy the same position and create the same contrast. Nevertheless sounds more formal and emphatic: it is typically found in reports, letters, and essays. However is more universal and works well in both business and everyday writing.

Use the word that suits the tone of the text. Replacing one with the other does not change the sentence grammar.

We lost the first game. However, the coach stayed positive.

We lost the first game. However, the coach stayed positive.

Neutral tone.

The data are incomplete. Nevertheless, the main conclusions seem reliable.

The data are incomplete. Nevertheless, the main conclusions seem reliable.

Formal report style.

Where else the connector can appear

A conjunctive adverb can appear at the beginning or inside the second clause. An inserted however is usually set off by commas. Nevertheless can also be closely connected to the verb without parenthetical commas: It was nevertheless useful — “Despite this, it was useful.”

However can also appear at the end: The second test was easy, however. This is possible in writing too. Choose the position that makes the contrast clear; it is not limited to the beginning of the sentence.

The first test was hard. The second, however, was easy.

The first test was hard. The second, however, was easy.

The connector is inside the sentence, between two commas.

The offer sounded generous. It was, nevertheless, not enough for us.

The offer sounded generous. It was, nevertheless, not enough for us.

After the verb was, between commas.

Choose a clear contrast structure

For a short message, it is useful to choose one basic pattern: Although it was cold, we went out or It was cold. However, we went out. Do not add however mechanically just because you want to express an additional “but.”

This is advice for clarity, not a ban on all combinations. For example, Although it was cold, we nevertheless went out is a grammatically strengthened concessive structure. But it was, however, useful is also possible in an appropriate context, although it can often be said more briefly.

Although it was cold, we swam in the sea.

Although it was cold, we swam in the sea.

One connector — although.

It was cold. However, we swam in the sea.

It was cold. However, we swam in the sea.

The same idea in two sentences.

Contrast, not result or addition

Choose the connector according to the relationship between the ideas. However and nevertheless show that the second idea conflicts with the first. A result is expressed by therefore or as a result, while addition is expressed by moreover or in addition.

The check is simple: did we expect the opposite? If so, it is contrast.

He trained all night. However, he failed the exam.

He trained all night. However, he failed the exam.

Contrast with the expectation.

He trained all night. Therefore, he was ready for the exam.

He trained all night. Therefore, he was ready for the exam.

Result.

He trained all night. Moreover, he made detailed notes.

He trained all night. Moreover, he made detailed notes.

Addition.

Three ways to say “despite this”

The same concessive meaning can be expressed in three ways, and each has its own structure. Although introduces a subordinate clause, despite requires a noun or -ing form, while however and nevertheless introduce a separate sentence.

Their rules are discussed in detail in the neighboring lessons on this topic. Here, it is important only to recognize what follows the connector in your sentence: a clause, a noun, or a separate sentence.

Although the ferry was late, we caught the bus.

Although the ferry was late, we caught the bus.

A clause after although.

Despite the late ferry, we caught the bus.

Despite the late ferry, we caught the bus.

A noun phrase after despite.

The ferry was late. However, we caught the bus.

The ferry was late. However, we caught the bus.

A separate sentence with however.

The connector in your own text

However refers to a previous idea or one already known to the people you are speaking with. It can begin a new paragraph or reply if this context is clear. There is no fixed rule of “one or two per paragraph”; repeat linking words only where they help create a connection.

When writing, first state the fact or disadvantage, then add the connector, followed by what contrasts with it. This makes the contrast easy to read.

Our flat is small. However, it is bright, and the neighbours are friendly.

Our flat is small. However, it is bright, and the neighbours are friendly.

Disadvantage — connector — advantage.

The service was slow. Nevertheless, the waiter apologised and the food was hot.

The service was slow. Nevertheless, the waiter apologised and the food was hot.

Development of the idea after the connector.

Common mistakes

Incorrect:The train was late, however, we caught the ferry.

Correct:The train was late. However, we caught the ferry.

A comma does not separate two independent sentences, and however is not a conjunction; a full stop or a semicolon is needed.

Incorrect:He was tired, nevertheless he kept running.

Correct:He was tired. Nevertheless, he kept running.

Nevertheless is not a conjunction either: use a full stop or a semicolon before it, not a comma.

Sources
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