Linking words: although, despite, in spite of, however

In spite of, despite,although and though are all used to show a contrast but there are some differences:



In spite of / despite

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

• We enjoyed our summer holiday in spite of the rain.
• Despite the pain in his leg he went to work
• Despite having all the right qualifications, they didn’t give me the job.

Although

After although we use a subject and a verb.

• We enjoyed our holidays in Paris although it rained every day.
• Although Sally studied very hard, she didn’t manage to pass the exam.
• The holiday was great although the hotel food was tasteless

Even though

Even though is a slightly stronger form of although.

• They decided to buy the flat even though they didn’t really have enough money.
• You keep making that noise even though I’ve asked you to stop three times!

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

Now let's practise!

Exercise 1: choose the right answer!

Exercise:despite, however, although

Cause and effect linking words

There are several linking words for cause and effect, such as: because, so, therefore, as, since.



Take a look at this review lesson:
Review lesson: linking words

and then try this online exercise:
Linking words exercise: choose the right option

Good work!

How to use However, In Contrast, On the Other Hand as Transitions

Linking words

Linking words (or connectors or conjunctions) join two parts of a sentence.

Take a look at these examples and then try this exercise:

Exercise

Conjunction	Function	Example
and	joins two similar ideas together	He lives in London, and he studies at university.
but	joins two contrasting ideas	Tom is American, but Ana is Portuguese.
or	joins two alternative ideas	I could cook dinner, or we could go to a restaurant.
so	shows that the second idea is the result of the first	He was ill, so he went to the doctor.