although, despite, however
Linking words for contrast
although + a sentence (although it rained); despite or in spite of + a noun or -ing (despite the rain); however (or nevertheless) usually starts a new sentence, with a comma: It rained. However, we went out.
- Although it was cold, we went out.
- Despite the cold, we went out.
- It was cold. However, we went out.
«A pesar de que» + a sentence is although (although it rained); «a pesar de» + a noun is despite (despite the rain).
Not despite it was cold: say despite the cold, or although it was cold. (despite the fact that + a sentence is also right.)
Also on this page: in spite of · Despite this, · whereas, on the other hand
Try 6
Six quick questions, easiest first. At the end you'll see which mistake you make.
- ______ he studied hard, he didn't pass the driving theory test.Despite · However · Although · Because
- ______ it was raining, we decided to go for a walk along the river.Because · However · Despite · Although
- I wanted to go for a walk. ______, it started to rain, so I stayed in.However · Therefore · Moreover · Besides
- ______ they argue sometimes, there is a strong bond between the two sisters.Despite · Although · In spite of · However
- It rained all day. ______, we had a lovely picnic.Despite this · In spite · Because of this
- He still plays football every weekend, ______ he has a sore knee.however · although · because · despite
- ______ the jacket was expensive, Mia decided to buy it because it was so warm.Although · Despite · However · Because
- ______ my grandparents live in a different country, we communicate every Sunday.In spite · However · Despite · Although
- Tom studied hard for weeks. ______, he failed the test.Despite this · As a result · Therefore · Because
- The film got excellent reviews. ______, most of my friends thought it was boring.In addition · So · For example · However
- Anna was nervous about the interview. ______, she spoke clearly and calmly.As a result · For this reason · Because of this · Despite this
- The old bridge is closed. ______, many people still try to cross it.Moreover · Nevertheless · Because · Therefore
Show the answers
- Althoughnot Because: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Despite: despite + a sentencenot However: however to join two halves
- Althoughnot Because: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Despite: despite + a sentencenot However: however to join two halves
- Howevernot Besides: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Moreover: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Therefore: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
- Althoughnot Despite: despite + a sentencenot However: however to join two halvesnot In spite of: despite + a sentence
- Despite thisnot In spite: in spite without ofnot Because of this: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
- althoughnot because: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot despite: despite + a sentencenot however: however to join two halves
- Althoughnot Because: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Despite: despite + a sentencenot However: however to join two halves
- Althoughnot Despite: despite + a sentencenot However: however to join two halvesnot In spite: in spite without of
- Despite thisnot Therefore: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot As a result: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
- Howevernot So: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot In addition: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
- Despite thisnot As a result: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Because of this: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot For this reason: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
- Neverthelessnot Moreover: a reason or adding word where you need a contrastnot Therefore: a reason or adding word where you need a contrast
Common mistakes on this point
Not: Despite it was raining, we went out.
Say: Although it was raining, we went out.
despite and in spite of + a noun or -ing (despite the rain, despite feeling ill); although + a sentence.
See this mistake on its own page ›Not: However he studied hard, he failed.
Say: Although he studied hard, he failed.
although joins two halves of one sentence; however usually starts a new sentence (He studied hard. However, he failed.).
See this mistake on its own page ›Not: In spite the rain, we had fun.
Say: In spite of the rain, we had fun.
It's always in spite of: in spite of the rain, in spite of this.
See this mistake on its own page ›Not: It rained all day. Therefore, we had a lovely picnic.
Say: It rained all day. However, we had a lovely picnic.
although, despite and however show a difference, or something you wouldn't expect after the first part. because, so and therefore give a reason or result; moreover and in addition add more.
See this mistake on its own page ›