Despite vs Although

Question 1

What is the difference between Despite and Although from the point of view of role?

Answer 1

a. Although is used as a connector or conjunction for two IC’s

Although he secured high marks in the entrance examination, Joseph could not get high marks

We have first clause : he secured high marks in the entrance examination

Second clause: Joseph could not get high marks

b. Despite/in spite of this is used as prepositional phrase that modifies either the subject or the verb of the preceding or next clause

Despite of the summer heat, the children were enjoying playing in the summer afternoon

Prepositional phrase: of the summer heat
Clause: the children were enjoying playing in the summer afternoon

Question 2

Examples of using Although

Answer 2

Although connects two clauses, see below some of the uses

1. Although the fever had subsided, Mary felt too weak to get up.

Although + fever(subject) + had subided(verb)

2. I have not lost any appreciable amount of weight although I have been exercising almost daily
   (The reason to include above sentence was to indicate that “Although” can also appear in between sentence)

Question 3

Observe the below sentence

Although the fever having subsided, Mary felt too weak to get up

Answer 3

1. We have an ‘ing’ verbal here but as we discussed although should be used only to connect two IC’s

Question 4

Construction to use Despite/In spite of in the sentence

1. Despite/in-spite of + noun phrase/pronoun
2. Despite/in-spite of + ‘-ing Verbal’
3. Despite/in-spite of + the fact + that + clause
4. Despite/in-spite of noun + that + clause

Answer 4

1. Despite of the summer heat, the children enjoyed playing in the sun
2. Despite having a busy schedule, Mike gives enough time to his children
3. Despite of the fact the Mike was late for appointment, he took a lot of time getting ready
4. In spite of the storm that was brewing not so far away, the hikers continued their journey

Question 5

Observe the below sentence

1. Despite she has a busy schedule, Mike gives his children enough time
2. Despite the fact that being late for appointment, Mike took a lot of time to get ready

Answer 5

1. We have a clause after despite which is a no-no

2. We don’t have a clause structure after that, so construction is wrong