What are although, despite and however?
These words all show contrast: the second idea is surprising or different after the first one. They mean almost the same thing, but they follow different grammar rules.
- Although is followed by a clause (a group of words with a subject and a verb).
- Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form.
- However links two separate sentences.
Although it was snowing, we drove to Banff. Despite the snow, we drove to Banff. It was snowing. However, we drove to Banff.
The Conjunctions page gives a short introduction. This page explains each word in detail.
How to use although, even though and though
Although + clause
Although joins a contrast clause to a main clause. The clause can come first or second.
| Position | Example |
|---|---|
| First (use a comma) | Although the apartment is small, it's very comfortable. |
| Second (no comma needed) | We went out although we were tired. |
Even though: stronger contrast
Even though works the same way as although, but it makes the surprise stronger.
- Even though she had a cold, she ran the whole race.
- He kept the job even though the pay was low.
Though: informal
Though can replace although in informal speech and writing.
- Though I like my job, I want to try something new.
Though can also go at the end of a sentence. It then means however. Use a comma before it.
- The hotel was nice. The breakfast was expensive, though.
- I'll come to the party. I can't stay long, though.
Although and even though cannot go at the end like this.
How to use despite and in spite of
Despite and in spite of mean the same and follow the same rules. They are followed by:
| Followed by | Example |
|---|---|
| noun | Despite the rain, the game continued. |
| pronoun | I like him in spite of everything. |
| -ing form | Despite feeling sick, she went to work. |
| the fact that + clause | Despite the fact that it was late, he called me. |
With the -ing form, the subject must be the same in both parts of the sentence: in Despite feeling sick, she went to work, she felt sick and she went to work.
If you want to use a full clause with a subject and a verb, add the fact that, or use although instead.
- Despite the fact that the train was delayed, we arrived on time.
- Although the train was delayed, we arrived on time.
Remember: it is despite (one word) or in spite of (three words). There is no despite of.
How to use however and nevertheless
However is a linking adverb, not a conjunction. It connects two sentences, not two clauses inside one sentence. Its punctuation is important.
| Position | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Start of sentence | full stop before, comma after | The plan was good. However, it was too expensive. |
| Between two clauses | semicolon before, comma after | The plan was good; however, it was too expensive. |
| Middle | commas on both sides | The plan, however, was too expensive. |
| End | comma before | The plan was too expensive, however. |
Nevertheless and nonetheless work like however, but they are more formal. They mean it is still true, despite what I just said.
- The weather was terrible. Nevertheless, the event went ahead.
In emails and speech, even so and still are also common: It was expensive. Still, it was worth it.
However + adjective or adverb
However can also mean it does not matter how. In this use, there is no comma after it.
- However hard I try, I can't understand his handwriting.
- You can decorate the room however you like.
When to use whereas and while
Whereas and while compare two different facts. There is no surprise; you are only showing a difference.
- My sister loves winter, whereas I prefer summer.
- While Toronto is very large, Halifax is quite small.
Whereas is a little more formal. While can also mean during the time that, so make sure the meaning is clear.
Although vs despite vs however
| Word | Followed by | Punctuation | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| although / even though | clause | comma if it comes first | Although it was cold, we went out. |
| though | clause, or at the end | comma before at the end | It was cold, though. |
| despite / in spite of | noun, -ing, the fact that | comma if it comes first | Despite the cold, we went out. |
| however / nevertheless | new sentence | full stop or semicolon + comma | It was cold. However, we went out. |
| whereas / while | clause | comma usually used | I'm tall, whereas my brother is short. |
Common mistakes
Mistake 1: Using although and but together
- Wrong:
Although it was late, but we kept working. - Correct: Although it was late, we kept working. / It was late, but we kept working.
- Reason: one contrast word is enough.
Mistake 2: Despite + clause
- Wrong:
Despite it was raining, we went for a walk. - Correct: Despite the rain, we went for a walk. / Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
- Reason: despite takes a noun or -ing form, not a subject and verb.
Mistake 3: Despite of
- Wrong:
Despite of the traffic, she arrived early. - Correct: Despite the traffic / In spite of the traffic, she arrived early.
- Reason: despite never takes of.
Mistake 4: However with only a comma
- Wrong:
I studied hard, however I failed the test. - Correct: I studied hard. However, I failed the test. / I studied hard; however, I failed the test.
- Reason: however cannot join two clauses with a comma alone.
Mistake 5: However as a conjunction at the start
- Wrong:
However it was cold, we went swimming. - Correct: Although it was cold, we went swimming.
- Reason: however does not introduce a contrast clause like although.
Mistake 6: Despite + -ing with a different subject
- Wrong:
Despite having a map, the hotel was hard to find. - Correct: Despite having a map, we got lost. / Although we had a map, the hotel was hard to find.
- Reason: the -ing form must have the same subject as the main clause.
Quick reference
| I want to... | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| add a contrast clause | although / even though | Although I was tired, I went. |
| use a noun or -ing | despite / in spite of | Despite being tired, I went. |
| start a new sentence | however / nevertheless | I was tired. However, I went. |
| add contrast at the end (informal) | though | I went, though. |
| compare two facts | whereas / while | I was tired, whereas Sam wasn't. |
Common questions
What is the difference between 'although' and 'despite'?
The meaning is the same, but the grammar is different. Although is followed by a clause (although it rained). Despite is followed by a noun or an -ing form (despite the rain, despite being tired).
What is the difference between 'even though' and 'even if'?
Even though is about a fact: Even though it's raining, we'll go (it is raining). Even if is about a possible situation: Even if it rains, we'll go (it might rain).
Can I start a sentence with 'however'?
Yes. This is the most common position: The idea is good. However, we don't have the budget. Put a comma after however.
Practise next
- Conjunctions — and, but, because and other linking words
- Discourse Markers — more advanced linking words like that said and even so
- Gerunds and Infinitives — why despite is followed by -ing
- Sentence Builder — practise building longer sentences