Despite vs although

What’s the difference between Despite and Although?

DESPITE

• Despite is a preposition.
• After despite we use a noun or a pronoun.
• Despite cannot link clauses.

Examples

• Despite the bad weather, we enjoyed ourselves.
• Despite the criticisms, she remained defiant.
• She looked lovely, despite her strange apparel.
• He’s an ordinary bloke, despite being famous.
• The plants are growing in again, despite the drought.
• Despite all the difficulties, he still remains optimistic.

ALTHOUGH

• Although is a subordinating conjunction.
• After although we use a clause.
• Although can link clauses.

Examples

• They are generous although they are poor.
• Although she is young, she is very independent.
• Although he was ill, he went to work.
• Although she often disagreed with me, she was always courteous.
• They got on well together althoughthey were total strangers.
• I recognized Peter although I hadn’t seen him for 10 years.