Linking Words: However, Although, Despite, In Spite Of
Use however to connect two separate sentences (full stop or semicolon before it, comma after), although/even though before a full clause (subject + verb), and despite/in spite of before a noun or -ing form — never a clause — to show contrast.
Formula
Examples
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
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Try 5 cards free — no signup →However vs but — what's the difference?
"But" joins two ideas within the same sentence: "I tried, but I failed." "However" usually starts a new sentence and needs a full stop or semicolon before it, with a comma after it: "I tried. However, I failed." Both express the same contrast; the difference is punctuation and register — "however" reads a little more formal.
Although vs despite/in spite of — which grammar goes with which?
"Although" and "even though" introduce a full clause with a subject and verb: "Although he was tired, he kept working." "Despite" and "in spite of" need a noun phrase or an -ing form — never a full clause: "Despite being tired, he kept working" or "Despite the rain, we went out."
The four words express the same idea — concession, an obstacle that didn't stop the outcome — but they differ in grammar, not meaning, which is exactly what trips learners up.
Do I need "of" after despite?
"Despite" never takes "of": "despite the rain," not "despite of the rain." "In spite of" is the version that includes "of" — it's built into the phrase itself. Mixing the two ("despite of") is a very common error because they mean exactly the same thing.
Comparison Table
| Form | Word | Followed by | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| However | A new sentence (full stop/semicolon before, comma after) | It was raining. However, we went out. | |
| Although / Even though | A full clause: subject + verb | Although it rained, we went out. | |
| Despite / In spite of | A noun or -ing form, never a clause | Despite the rain, we went out. |
Save this comparison chart
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+).
FAQ
However vs but — how are they different?
"But" connects two clauses inside one sentence: "It was raining, but we went out." "However" typically starts a new sentence, preceded by a full stop or semicolon and followed by a comma: "It was raining. However, we went out." They mean the same thing; "however" is more formal and needs different punctuation.
Although vs despite — what's the grammar difference?
"Although" (and "even though") is followed by a full clause — a subject and a verb: "Although it rained, we went out." "Despite" is followed by a noun or an -ing form, never a clause: "Despite the rain, we went out" or "Despite raining, we went out" (informally) — more precisely "Despite the rain" or "Despite it raining."
Despite of or despite — which is correct?
"Despite" on its own — never add "of" after it: "Despite the rain," not "despite of the rain." If you want the "of," use "in spite of" instead, which already includes it: "in spite of the rain."
Is "Despite he was tired" correct?
No. "Despite" can't be followed by a full clause (subject + verb). Use "Despite being tired" (despite + -ing) or switch to "Although he was tired" (although + clause).
Do I need a comma after "However"?
Yes, when "however" starts a sentence: "However, we went out." The comma comes after "however," not before it in that position. If "however" appears mid-sentence, it's set off by commas on both sides: "We went out, however, despite the rain."
Practice
- 1.It was raining. , we went for a walk.
- 2. she studied hard, she didn't pass the exam.
- 3. the rain, we went out.
- 4.He failed the exam studying hard.
- 5. being tired, he kept working.
Compare With
Other B1 Topics
Present Perfect
Used for past actions that still matter or connect to now
Present Perfect Continuous
Used for ongoing actions that started in the past and still continue
Modal Verbs
Expresses ability, obligation, permission, or possibility
Passive Voice (Basic)
Used for sentences where the action or result matters more than who did it
Used To
Used for past habits or states that no longer exist
Future Continuous
Used for actions in progress at a specific future moment
Question Tags
Used for confirming information or seeking agreement at the end of a statement
Relative Clauses (Defining)
Clauses that identify exactly which person, thing, or place you mean.
So and Such
Use so before adjectives/adverbs and such before nouns to emphasize degree, often followed by a that-clause showing the result.
Order of Adjectives
The fixed order adjectives usually follow before a noun: opinion, size, age, shape, colour, origin, material, purpose.
Future Time Clauses
Use present simple, not will, after when/as soon as/before/after/until/once even when the meaning is future.
Subject and Object Questions
Who broke it? vs Who did you see? — question word as subject or object.