​ Grammar explanation

​Although, even though, in spite of and despite are all used to link two contrasting ideas or show that one fact makes the other fact surprising. They can all be used at the beginning or in the middle of the sentence. 

Despite the rain, we enjoyed the festival.
We enjoyed the festival, despite the rain.

The main difference between although, even though, in spite of and despite is that they are used with different structures. 

​After in spite of and despite, we use a noun, gerund (-ing form of a verb) or a pronoun.

• They never made much money, in spite of their success.

• In spite of the pain in his leg, he completed the marathon.

• Despite having a headache, I had a great birthday.

• The train was cancelled. In spite of that, we arrived on time.

​After although and even though, we use a subject and a verb. Even though is slightly stronger and more emphatic than although.

• I enjoyed the course, although I would have liked more grammar practice.

• Although we saw each other every day, we didn't really know each other.

• Even though she spoke very quietly, he understood every word.

• She didn't get the job, even though she had all the necessary qualifications.

​ -->Though can be used in the same way as although.

• Though I wasn't keen on the film, I thought the music was beautiful.

  -->Though can also go at the end of the second phrase. This way of expressing contrasting ideas is most common in spoken English.

• We waited ages for our food. The waiter was really nice, though.