English UsageGrammar guide
Although vs. Despite
Although and despite can both express contrast, but they have different grammar. Although is a subordinating conjunction followed by a clause; despite is a prepositional expression normally followed by a noun phrase or -ing form.
Use although before a clause; use despite before a noun phrase or -ing form. Use “despite the fact that” when a full that-clause is needed.
Key details
Although Rolesubordinating conjunction introducing a concessive clause
Despite Roleprepositional expression introducing a noun phrase or -ing form
That Clause Boundaryuse despite the fact that, not despite that, in standard edited English
Further guidance
Clause Boundary
Although introduces a subordinate clause.
Preposition Boundary
Despite normally takes a noun phrase or -ing form; it is not followed directly by of.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- In spite of and despite — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Despite as a prepositional expression contrasted with clause-introducing although/even though