although, however, despite

These words do the same job as but: the second idea is a surprise after the first. Each one fits into the sentence in a different way.

Although + a clause

Although is followed by a subject and a verb. It joins two parts of one sentence, and it can come first or in the middle. Even though is stronger. In speech, people often say though.

However between two sentences

However connects a new sentence to the one before. It usually comes at the start, with a comma after it. It is more formal than but and common in writing.

Despite + a noun or -ing

Despite and in spite of are followed by a noun or an -ing form, never by a subject and a verb.

To use a full clause after despite, add the fact that.

Common mistakes

• × Although it was late, but we stayed. → Although it was late, we stayed.
• × Despite it was raining, we went out. → Although it was raining, we went out.
• × Despite of the rain, we went out. → Despite the rain, we went out.
• × I was tired, however I went to class. → I was tired. However, I went to class.