3 ESO Connectors: Although / However / Despite / In spite of

Although

However

Despite

In spite of

We use although to contrast ideas. It matches two clauses. It can be at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle of a sentence.

I'll be there, although I may be late.

Although it rained, everyone had a good time.

Although they are twins, they have few interests in common.

We decided not to wear our jackets when we went for a walk, although the weather was rather chilly.

‘However’ indicates that the relationship between the two independent clauses is one of contrast or opposition. It starts a sentence that shows contrast with the previous sentence. It can also be used at the end of a sentence.

We didn't want to go to the party. However, we decided to go.

The study was expected to be a success. However, the results were not good.

I can understand everything you say about wanting to share a flat with a friend. However, I am totally against it.

In spite of and despite express a contrast between two things. It is used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle. It is followed by a noun / pronoun or by a gerund.

We enjoyed our camping holiday in spite of the rain.

Despite the pain in his leg he completed the marathon.

Despite having all the necessary qualifications, they didn’t offer me the job.