Although vs. Despite: What's the Difference?
Quick Answer
Although and despite both introduce a contrast, but their grammar differs. Use although with a subject and verb: “Although it rained, we walked.” Use despite with a noun or -ing form: “Despite the rain, we walked.” Before a full clause, use despite the fact that.
Difference at a Glance
| Feature | Although | Despite |
|---|---|---|
| Word class | Conjunction | Preposition |
| Standard pattern | although + subject + verb | despite + noun/pronoun/-ing form |
| Full clause | although she was tired | despite the fact that she was tired |
| Common error to avoid | although ... but in the same linked structure | despite of |
Definitions
Although
A conjunction introducing information that contrasts with the main clause.
although + subject + verb, main clause
Although the room was small, it felt comfortable.
She finished the race although she was tired.
Despite
A preposition expressing a contrast between a circumstance and an outcome.
despite + noun/-ing / despite the fact that + clause
Despite the small room, everyone felt comfortable.
Despite feeling tired, she finished the race.
Grammar Rule
Key Rule: Check what comes immediately after the contrast word. A standard subject-and-verb clause follows although. A noun phrase, pronoun, or -ing form follows despite. If you want to keep the full clause after despite, insert the fact that.
Despite has no of; the equivalent expression in spite of does. Reduced clauses such as “Although tired, she continued” are also possible, especially in formal writing. The missing subject should be clear from the main clause, so the basic clause rule is a useful starting point rather than the only possible pattern.
Rewrite the grammar without changing who did what
“Although Maya felt nervous, she gave the presentation” can become “Despite feeling nervous, Maya gave the presentation.” Maya is both the person feeling nervous and the presenter. This makes the -ing phrase easy to interpret. The rewrite changes the grammatical structure while keeping the contrast.
When the clauses have different subjects, keep them explicit if a shorter version would confuse the reader. “Although the audience was tired, Maya continued” can become “Despite the fact that the audience was tired, Maya continued.” Writing “Despite feeling tired, Maya continued” would normally make Maya the tired person instead.
Common Mistakes
Incorrect: Despite of the rain, we continued.
Correct: Despite the rain, we continued.
Use despite or in spite of, not despite of.
Incorrect: Despite she was nervous, she spoke clearly.
Correct: Although she was nervous, she spoke clearly.
A full subject-and-verb clause can follow although; despite would require the fact that here.
Incorrect: Although the task was difficult, but we finished it.
Correct: Although the task was difficult, we finished it.
Do not use both although and but to connect these same two clauses in standard writing.
More Correct Examples
Mini Quiz
1. Choose: _____ it was cold, we ate outside.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Although
It was cold is a full clause with a subject and verb.
2. Choose: _____ the cold weather, we ate outside.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Despite
The cold weather is a noun phrase.
3. Correct: Despite of feeling nervous, I began.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Despite feeling nervous, I began.
Despite is not followed by of.
4. Complete: Despite _____ she was busy, she replied.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: the fact that
This expression allows a full clause after despite.
5. Correct: Although the journey was long, but we enjoyed it.
Show answer and explanation
Answer: Although the journey was long, we enjoyed it.
Although already establishes the contrast; remove but from this structure.
Common Learner Questions
Can I say despite of?
No, not in standard English. Use despite the rain or in spite of the rain.
Can although come before an adjective?
Yes, in a reduced clause such as “Although tired, she continued.” The subject and omitted verb must be clear. A full clause is often easier for learners to construct.
Should I put a comma after an opening although clause?
An introductory although clause is normally followed by a comma: “Although it rained, we walked.” When the although clause comes after the main clause, a comma is often unnecessary.
Is despite the fact that correct?
Yes. It lets a full clause follow despite. Although often expresses the same contrast more briefly, provided the rest of the sentence is adjusted appropriately.
Usage References
Usage checked on . Examples and practice questions are original TypoGrammar material.