Contrast Words

The words although, though, despite, in spite of and however have very similar meanings; however, they are used in different structures.

Though and although are conjunctions. They go before a clause.

Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They go before a noun or noun equivalent.

 However is a transitional adverb. It goes at the beginning of a sentence.

To cut the explanation short, the words DESPITE, IN SPITE OF and BECAUSE OF are followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (verb + ing).

Despite the rain, they went to the beach.
In spite of the rain, they went to the beach.
They didn't go to the beach because of the rain.

The conjunctions BECAUSE, EVEN THOUGH and ALTHOUGH are followed by a clause.

Although it rained, they went to the beach.
Even though it rained, they went to the beach.
Because it rained, they didn't go to the beach. 
You can see the explanation again in the following mind map:

       

Grammar & exercise       Exercise 2

but

 (bʌt; unstressed bət)  conj (coordinating)

1. contrary to expectation: he cut his knee but didn't cry.

2. in contrast; on the contrary: I like opera but my husband doesn't.

3. (usually used after a negative) other than: we can't do anything but wait.

conj (subordinating)

4. (usually used after a negative) without it happening or being the case that: we never go out but it rains.

5. (foll by that) except that: nothing is impossible but that we live forever.

6. archaic if not; unless

sentence connector

informal used to introduce an exclamation: my, but you're nice.

prep

7. except; save: they saved all but one of the pigs.

8. but for were it not for: but for you, we couldn't have managed.

adv

9. just; merely; only: he was but a child; I can but try.

10. informal Scot and Austral and NZ though; however: it's a rainy day: warm, but.

11. all but almost; practically: he was all but dead when we found him.

noun

an objection (esp in the phrase ifs and buts)

although

 – though

1. used as conjunctions

You use although or though to introduce a subordinate clause in which you mention something that contrasts with what you are saying in the main clause. Though is not used in very formal English.

I can't play the piano, although I took lessons for years.

It wasn't my decision, though I think I agree with it.

You can put even in front of though for emphasis.

She wore a coat, even though it was a very hot day.

Don't put 'even' in front of although.

Be Careful!
When a sentence begins with although or though, don't use 'but' or 'yet' to introduce the main clause. 

Don't say, for example, 'Although he was late, yet he stopped to buy a sandwich'. You say 'Although he was late,

he stopped to buy a sandwich'.

Although he was English, he spoke fluent French.

Though he hadn't stopped working all day, he wasn't tired.

Be Careful!
Don't use although or though in front of a noun phrase. Don't say, for example, 'Although his hard work, he failed his exam'. You say 'In spite of his hard work, he failed his exam' or 'Despite his hard work, he failed his exam'.

In spite of poor health, my father was always cheerful.

Despite her confidence, Cindy was uncertain what to do next.

2. 'though' used as an adverb

Though is sometimes an adverb. You use it when you are making a statement that contrasts with what you have just said. You usually put though after the first phrase in the sentence.

Fortunately though, this is a story with a happy ending.

For Ryan, though, it was a busy year.

In conversation, you can also put though at the end of a sentence.

I can't stay. I'll have a coffee though.

Although is never an adverb.