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Linking Words: However, Although, Despite, In Spite Of

1 min
B1
CEFR B1·clauses

Formula

However
, + new sentence
(contrast between sentences)
Although / Even though
(Although it rained, we went out.)
Despite / In spite of
(Despite the rain, we went out.)

Examples

Positive
It was raining; however, we went for a walk.
Negative
Although she studied hard, she didn't pass the exam.
Question
Did you enjoy the trip despite the bad weather?

Usage

  • •Show contrast or concession between two ideas
  • •Connect sentences (however) or join clauses (although) or attach a noun phrase (despite)
  • •Make writing more formal and sophisticated

More Examples

  • The film was boring. However, the acting was excellent.

    HOWEVER joins two complete sentences

  • Although he was tired, he kept working.

    ALTHOUGH + full clause (subject + verb)

  • Despite being tired, he kept working.

    DESPITE + -ing form

  • In spite of the noise, I slept well.

    IN SPITE OF + noun

  • He failed the exam despite studying hard.

    DESPITE + -ing (action as noun)

  • Even though she's rich, she lives simply.

    EVEN THOUGH = stronger ALTHOUGH

Common Mistakes

  • ✗Adding "of" to "despite": "Despite of the rain" should be "Despite the rain" (no "of").
  • ✗Using a clause after "despite": "Despite he was tired" should be "Despite being tired" or "Although he was tired".
  • ✗Forgetting the comma after "However" at the start: "However we went" should be "However, we went".

Tips

  • ✓DESPITE + noun/-ing · ALTHOUGH + clause (subject + verb). Different grammar, same meaning.
  • ✓HOWEVER vs BUT: BUT joins within a sentence ("I tried, but failed."). HOWEVER usually starts a new sentence ("I tried. However, I failed.").

Advanced Notes

These four connectors express concession — the idea that something happened or is true despite an obstacle — but they differ in grammar, not meaning. "However" is an adverb and needs a semicolon or full stop before it, not a comma; the comma goes after it. "Although/even though" introduce subordinate clauses and can appear mid-sentence. "Despite/in spite of" need a noun phrase or gerund — never a full clause. Register-wise, "although" and "despite" lean formal (essays, reports); "but" and "even though" are more conversational. "Nevertheless" and "nonetheless" are near-synonyms of "however" at an even higher register (C1+).

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Compare With

Basic Linkers: And, But, Or, Because, So(A2)