Mixed up with these words? They can be a bit tricky when it comes to writing or’key  word transformation’ activities. They also have a very similar meaning which invites us to use them in the same way. What we should bear in mind is that they are used differently and the rules are quite clear-cut. All we need is to notice the difference and a little practice.

• Although is followed by a subordinated clause
• Despite and ‘in spite of’ are followed by a noun/ a pronoun (this, that, what, etc) the fact that/-ing form.

Compare

• Although she had all the necessary qualifications, she didn’t get the job.
• Despite having all the qualifications, she didn’t get the job.
• Despite her qualifications, she didn’t get the job.
• Despite the fact that she had all the qualifications, she didn’t get the job.
• In spite of her qualifications, she didn’t get the job.
• I couldn’t eat anything, although I was very hungry.
• Although I was very hungry, I couldn’t eat anything.
• Despite/In spite of being very hungry, I couldn’t eat anything.

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