Although and even though have a similar meaning to despite and in spite of.
We use all of these words to say that a thing is surprising, unusual or unexpected in relation to another thing. This is called concession. While the meaning of these words is similar, there is a difference in how we use them.
Although and even though are conjunctions. They have the same meaning. Even though is a little stronger than although.
We use these structures:
- Although + a clause
- Even though + a clause
Despite and in spite of are prepositions, and have the same meaning. They are used with these structures:
- Despite + noun
- Despite + verb + - ing
- In spite of + a noun
- In spite of + verb + - ing
The examples below show us that although / even though and despite / in spite ofare similar in meaning, but are used differently.
Even though he's a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat.
Despite being a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat.
He lives in a very small flat although he's a millionaire.
Despite / in spite of being a millionaire, he lives in a very small flat
Put this lesson into practice and you will notice an improvement in your English soon.
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