Adverb Clauses of Contrast

Adverb clauses of contrast show that two ideas are surprising or different from what we expect.

Although, Though, And Even Though

Use these before a subject + verb.

Connector	Example
although	Although it was raining, we went out.
though	Though I was tired, I finished the work.
even though	Even though the course was difficult, she passed.

Even though is stronger than although.

While And Whereas

Use while and whereas to compare two contrasting facts.

I prefer working alone, while my brother enjoys teams.

The north is wet, whereas the south is dry.

In Spite Of And Despite

These are not clauses by themselves. They are followed by a noun phrase or an -ing form.

Connector	Example
in spite of + noun	In spite of the rain, we went out.
despite + noun	Despite the delay, we arrived on time.
despite + -ing	Despite feeling tired, she continued.

Use despite the fact that or in spite of the fact that before a full clause.

Despite the fact that it was late, we kept working.

Common Mistakes

Avoid	Use
Despite it was late, we continued.	Although it was late, we continued.
Despite of the delay	Despite the delay
Even I was tired, I worked.	Even though I was tired, I worked.

Practice

1 / 12

___ it was raining, we went hiking.

ADespiteBUnlessCAlthoughDBecause

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Summary

Use although, though, and even though before clauses. Use while and whereas to contrast two facts. Use despite and in spite of before noun phrases or -ing forms, not directly before a full clause unless you add the fact that.