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
Choose the right form
| Form after the connector | Use | Example |
|---|---|---|
| full clause | although | although the road was wet |
| noun phrase or -ing form | despite | despite the rain / despite arriving late |
| full that-clause after despite | despite the fact that | use the expanded construction |
Quick tests
Clause test
Does the contrast connector need to be followed directly by a subject + verb clause?
If yes: Use “although.”
If no: For a noun phrase or -ing form, “despite” fits; for a full clause after despite, use “despite the fact that.”
Caveat: Do not add “of” after “despite” in the ordinary construction.
Examples
Although the road was wet, traffic moved normally.
“Although” introduces a clause.
Despite the rain, traffic moved normally.
“Despite” takes a noun phrase.
Despite of the rain, traffic moved normally.
Better: Despite the rain, traffic moved normally.
The ordinary construction does not take “of.”
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