what's the diference between in spite of / despite / although?

in spite of / despite / although

In spite of, despite and although are all used to show a contrast but there are differences in the structures used with them.

In spite of / despite

After in spite of and despite we use a noun or a pronoun.

* 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.

Remember that the gerund (‘-ing’ form) is the ‘noun’ form of a verb.

The only difference between in spite of and despite is the ‘of’.

* Despite of the bad weather, there was a large crowd at the match.

Although

After although we use a subject and a verb.

* We enjoyed our camping holiday although it rained every day.
* Although he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.
* The holiday was great although the hotel wasn’t very nice.

We can use in spite of and despite with a subject and verb if we include the expression ‘the fact that’.

* In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.
* Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.

Even though

Even though is a slightly stronger form of although.

* We decided to buy the house even though we didn’t really have enough money.
* You keep making that stupid noise even though I’ve asked you to stop three times.

Like although, even though is followed by a subject and a verb.