Quick answer: Despite is a preposition followed by a noun or gerund: Despite the rain, we went out. Although is a conjunction followed by a subject and verb: Although it was raining, we went out. Never write “despite that it rained” — use although instead. For a fuller definition, see the Cambridge Dictionary entry for ‘despite’.
Comparison Table
| Word | Word Class | Followed By | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| despite | preposition | noun / noun phrase / gerund | Despite the noise, I slept. |
| although | conjunction | subject + verb (full clause) | Although it was noisy, I slept. |
Using Despite
Despite is a preposition meaning “in spite of”. It must be followed by a noun, noun phrase, or gerund — never a clause with a subject and verb on its own.
Despite the cold weather, she went for a run.
He passed the exam despite studying very little.
Despite her nerves, she gave an excellent speech.
They arrived on time despite the delays.
Despite the fact that
If you want to use despite before a full clause, add the fact that: Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out. This is grammatically correct but slightly wordy; although is usually the cleaner choice.
Using Although
Although is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a subordinate clause with its own subject and verb. The clause can come at the beginning or the end of the sentence.
Although she was tired, she kept working.
He enjoyed the film although it was very long.
Although prices have risen, demand remains high.
We enjoyed ourselves, although the weather was poor.
Though vs Although
Though and although are nearly interchangeable. Though is slightly more informal and can also be used at the end of a sentence: It was expensive, though. Although cannot end a sentence this way.
Common Mistakes
✗ Despite it was raining, we went out.
✓ Although it was raining, we went out.
✓ Despite the rain, we went out.
✗ Although the rain, we went out.
✓ Despite the rain, we went out.
✗ Despite that she was tired, she continued.
✓ Although she was tired, she continued.
✓ Despite the fact that she was tired, she continued.
Quick Check: Despite or Although?
Four questions — choose the correct word for each sentence.
1. “___ the traffic, we arrived on time.”
2. “___ the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.”
3. “He went swimming ___ feeling ill.”
4. “___ she had no experience, she got the job.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between despite and although?
Despite is a preposition followed by a noun or gerund. Although is a conjunction followed by a full clause (subject + verb). They express the same contrast but cannot be used in the same way grammatically.
Can I say “despite that”?
No. “Despite that she was tired” is not standard. Use “although she was tired” or “despite the fact that she was tired”.
Is “in spite of” the same as “despite”?
Yes. “In spite of” and “despite” are interchangeable and both require a noun or gerund after them. “Despite” is slightly more formal in writing.
Can “although” start a sentence?
Yes. “Although it was cold, they played outside.” When the although-clause comes first, use a comma before the main clause.
What is the difference between although and though?
They are nearly synonymous. Though is slightly more informal and can appear at the end of a sentence (“It was fun, though”). Although cannot end a sentence.
What is the difference between although and even though?
Even though is stronger and more emphatic than although. Use it when the contrast is surprising: “Even though she had a map, she got lost.”
Can despite be followed by a gerund?
Yes. “Despite working hard, she failed the test.” The gerund (“working”) acts as a noun, which is why despite can precede it.
How do I use “despite the fact that”?
“Despite the fact that” allows a full clause after despite: “Despite the fact that it was late, they kept talking.” It is grammatically correct but longer than simply using “although”.
Do despite and although appear in IELTS writing?
Yes, both are common in IELTS Task 2. Using them correctly shows grammatical range. A common error is writing “despite it is” — always use “although it is” or “despite being”.
Can I use although and however in the same way?
No. Although is a conjunction that joins two clauses in one sentence. However is an adverb that connects two separate sentences or clauses and is usually preceded by a full stop or semicolon.