Expressing concession

although, even though, though, despite, and in spite of are all used to link two
contrasting ideas. They can all be used at the beginning or in the middle of the
sentence.

Two contrasting ideas:

Main clause unexpected. Result

E.g. He worked very hard. He did not pass the exam.
➢ Although he worked very hard, he did not pass the exam.
unexpected. Result

1.
although
even though
though + subject + verb…. , unexpected R
in spite the fact that
despite the fact that

e.g. Although it rained a lot, we enjoyed our holiday.

2.

in spite of
despite + A Noun phrase or a Gerund…. , unexpected R

e.g. In spite of being ill, she went to school.

(same subject, we don’t mention the subject in the dependent clause)

e.g2. despite the lawyer calling the cops, the criminal escaped.

(not the same subject, so we have to mention both on each clause)