3 ESO Connectors: Although / However / Despite / In spite of

Connectors

Connectors that express contrast:

• Although

• However

• Despite

• In spite of

Although

• We use although to contrast ideas. It matches two clauses. It can be at the beginning of the sentence or in the middle of a sentence.

• I'll be there, although I may be late.

• Although it rained, everyone had a good time.

• Although they are twins, they have few interests in common.

• We decided not to wear our jackets when we went for a walk, although the weather was rather chilly.

However

• ‘However’ indicates that the relationship between the two independent clauses is one of contrast or opposition. It starts a sentence that shows contrast with the previous sentence. It can also be used at the end of a sentence.

• We didn't want to go to the party. However, we decided to go.

• The study was expected to be a success. However, the results were not good.

• I can understand everything you say about wanting to share a flat with a friend. However, I am totally against it.

Despite / In spite of

• In spite of and despite express a contrast between two things. It is used at the beginning of a sentence or in the middle. It is followed by a noun / pronoun or by a gerund.

• We enjoyed our camping holiday in spite of the rain.

• Despite the pain in his leg he completed the marathon.

• Despite having all the necessary qualifications, they didn’t offer me the job.

Multiple Choice

________ Jennifer was in terrible pain after the operation, she never complained.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

_________ the tight deadline, they managed to finish building the house on time.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

_________ it was very large, the house only had two bedrooms.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

Rebecca managed to take part in the race, _________ she had a knee injury.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

I've been running for an hour. ___________, I'm not tired

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

Margaret went bungee jumping _________ being eighty years old.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

_________ failing her driving test, Lucy didn’t give up and continued taking lessons.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

__________ there was a demonstration in the city centre, I was able to get to work on time.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

That man has much money. ___________, he isn’t happy at all.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

____________ he works hard, he is not successful in the course.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

I can manage to stay cheerful ___________ everything.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

___________ she loves her job, she wants to try on a different sector.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

__________ the warnings, he did not take any precautions.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

The restaurant has a good reputation. ____________ , the food was terrible.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite

Multiple Choice

She went for a long walk, ____________ being cold.

• Although

• However

• In spite of / Despite