Vocabulary - though, although, even though, despite, in spite of

Today, We are going to look at something i get asked about all the time.

Though, although and even though are used with adverbs clauses. To refresh your memory, let me tell you that Clause is any group of words that must have a subject and verb.

Though, although and even though is used before a dependent clause to show contrast.

Though and Although have no difference but though is a little bit informal. You can use either of them In the beginning of the sentence or in the middle of the sentence. The biggest difference is, you can end the sentence with though, but you can not end the sentence with although.

Example:

Although the exam was difficult, I did well.

I think i did well though the exam was difficult.

The exam was difficult. I think i did well, though.

Note: Put comma before though when you finish the sentence with it.

Even though also shows contrast but the contrast is much stronger contrast and adds emphasis.

Even though the exam was easy, I failed.

Despite and in-spite of have no difference. They are prepositions and used with a phrase. A phrase is also a group of words, but does not need to have Subject and Verb. It can have a noun or a verb or it can have neither. It also shows contrast.

Example:

• Despite his big efforts, the man just could not succeed.
• In spite of his best efforts, the man could not succeed.

• The man just could not succeed in spit of his best efforts.
• The man just could not succeed despite his best efforts.

The sentence above have exactly the same meaning and can be changed around.

Note: Another way we can use Despite and in spite of is with Gerund.

Example:

Despite being on time to the lecture, we were not permitted.

In spite of being on time to the lecture, we were not permitted.

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