Before you start reading this article, ask yourself how to say “despite” in English. You were not mistaken if you answered despite, in spite of. The difference between them is quite subtle and at the same time significant. This article is dedicated to those who find it difficult to answer this question.

Remember a simple tip: when you need to say “despite”, in Russian we use two words, but in English we use either one or three. Thus, despite- two words in Russian.

BUT: one word or a stable combination of three in English. Let's consider the basic rules for using these prepositions.

Rules of use and examples

The basic rule is that after in spite of or despite you cannot use a full sentence (We had slept). What should we say?

1. Noun. For example: I went for shopping in spite of / despite the snow. I went shopping despite the snow(the snow is a noun).
2. The so-called “ing” form (in other words, gerund). For example: We came very quickly in spite of stopping by police. - We arrived very quickly despite the fact that the police stopped us.(stopping - gerund).
3. The fact that... Expression: Sam passed the hard exam in spite of / despite the fact that he was very irresponsible. - Sam passed the difficult exam despite being irresponsible. This is the most important rules use

These two prepositions express some kind of surprise or surprise, unlike although.

It is important to remember that a full sentence (which contains a predicate and a subject) cannot come after these prepositions.

You can't say: Despite she is rich, she never spends much money.

The following option should be used: Despite being rich, she never spends much money. that she was rich, she never spent a lot of money. This is the correct form of using these prepositions.

Note: The word despite can also be a noun, and is translated into Russian as “malice” or “anger”. There are many set expressions with this word in English.

Let's try to translate the sentence:

1. Sam is thirsty in spite of / despite five glasses of Coca-Cola that he has drunk. Sam was thirsty despite drinking five glasses of Coca-Cola.
2. Sam is thirsty in spite of / despite drinking five glasses of Coca-Cola.
3. Sam is thirsty in spite of / despite the fact (that) he"s drunk five glasses of Coca-Cola.

Despite, in spite of - there is essentially no difference in meaning.

In spite of the hard wind, I enjoyed my vacations. - Despite strong wind, I enjoyed my vacation(use with a noun).

He was not well, but despite this he went to the shop. - He felt bad, but despite this he went to the store(use with pronoun).

I have not got the job in spite of possessing all the necessary higher educational documents - I was not hired for this job despite the fact that I had all the necessary documents about higher education (use with gerund).

Prepositions despite, in spite of: what is the difference in use

The first is used in official and clerical forms of communication, while the second is more often used in colloquial speech. The difference between despite and in spite of is, firstly, in the presence of a preposition - particles of the preposition in spite of.

1. In spite of the cold weather, you were happy.

2. Despite the cold weather, you were happy. Despite the cold weather, you were happy. Between despite, in spite of, the difference, in fact, lies only in grammatical spelling and shades of use. It is also possible to use such phrases with that: in spite of the fact (that), as well as despite the fact (that).

Conclusion

So, let’s summarize the results of studying this grammatical topic.

1. Between despite, in spite of the difference in the presence of a particle of - the most important point for the correct use of these prepositions.
2. After these prepositions, it is necessary to use such parts of speech as a noun, gerund or pronoun (including the demonstrative).
3. You also cannot insert a full sentence after a preposition. But it is possible to use a connective such as the fact that, and then it is possible to use the full construction. Thus, if you try to understand this topic, it turns out that there is nothing complicated.

In English, the meaning of concession or opposition can be expressed in a few words. Some of them have similar meanings and can replace each other, and some have their own peculiarities of use. In this episode we will look at the differences between the words despite, in spite of, although, though and however.

Unions Although And though(“although”) are placed at the beginning subordinate clause concessions, they must be followed by a subject and a predicate:

I started jogging in the morning, although I do not enjoy it.
I started running in the morning, even though I don't like it.

Although I was very tired, Nancy asked me to unpack some boxes.
Although I was very tired, Nancy asked me to unpack some boxes.

Though can sometimes come at the end of a sentence and act as an adverb. In this case, the sentence sounds like an afterthought:

I like feeding squirrels. They often get too noisy though.
I like feeding squirrels. Although they often start to make too much noise.

In addition, although and though can be used before adjectives:

It is a good restaurant, though a bit expensive.
This is a good restaurant, although a little expensive.

Pretext Despite(“despite”) is similar in meaning to although, but is placed not before a simple sentence as part of a complex one, but, for example, before a noun with dependent words, a pronoun or a gerund:

Despite my poor English, I’ve spent two 2 years in the USA.
Despite my poor English, I spent 2 years in the USA.

Despite always being late, he is a very responsible worker.
Despite the constant delays, he is a very responsible worker.

In spite of(“despite”) - this preposition is completely similar to despite. The only difference between them is that despite has a slightly more formal sound and is more often used in writing.

The pilots have successfully landed the plane in spite of the heavy fog.
The pilots successfully landed the plane despite heavy fog.

Often used in spite of the fact that:

In spite of the fact that nuclear power can provide large amounts of energy, people are afraid of it.
Despite the fact that nuclear energy can provide enormous

Union However has the meaning of opposition (“however”, “but”, “on the other hand”) and is always separated by commas:

Today's weather, however, was much better.
However, today the weather was much better.

It is usually not recommended to place however in this meaning at the beginning of a sentence, but this rule is often neglected:

It was hard. However, he managed to do it.
It was difficult. But he was able to do it.

If necessary, this can be avoided by using a semicolon:

It was hard; however, he managed to do it.

When used at the beginning of a sentence without a comma, this word is an adverb and means “no matter how”, “whatever”:

However hard I tried, I could not focus.
No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't concentrate.

To practice using conjunctions and prepositions expressing concession and opposition, we invite you to take a test on our website: .

§ 2. Idioms - set expressions and phrases

sell (someone) short - underestimate yourself or someone

I think Gina is selling herself short when she thinks that she will not make a good actress.
I think Gina underestimates herself when she thinks she won't be a good actress.

get going - get excited, get angry

Once Marion gets going, there is no stopping her wailing.
It's only worth it Marion gets angry; no one can stop her lamentations.

dead to the world - sleep soundly

When I came home at about eleven p.m., my husband was aleady in bed, dead to the world.
When I come home at eleven in the evening, my husband is already fast asleep in bed.

doll (oneself) up - to dress up, dress up

Dora was all dolled up for Mark’s birthday party.
Dora was all dressed up for Mark's birthday.

make do with (something) - replace something

There was no porridge for breakfast, so they had to make do with cornflakes.
There was no oatmeal for breakfast, so they had to replace it with cornflakes.

"Despite" And "in spite of"

If you answered in spite of And despite(without of) - honor and praise to you. If you answered in spite of And despite of - don't be upset. Many people make this mistake. (And if you answered “I don’t know,” then everything is great! Because now you’ll learn something new :)

Remember a simple thing: when you need to say “despite”, then in Russian we say two words and in English - or one or three.

That is:
Despite- one word.
Despite- two words.
In spite of- three words.

Once again: in English there can be either three words or one - but not two.

Is it possible like this: Roger is hungry in spite of he has eaten eight sausages?
Read it out loud. Doesn't it sound? That's right, that's not possible.

How about this translation: Roger is hungry despite he has eaten eight sausages?
It's a completely different matter, isn't it? This is just another common mistake! Because, after in spite of or despite You can't say a full sentence(He has eaten). What is possible?

1) Noun. For example: We went for a walk in spite of / despite the rain. We went for a walk despite the rain. (the rain- noun).
2) -ing form (otherwise - gerund). For example: We came late in spite of driving very fast. - We were late, despite the fact that we were driving fast. (driving- gerund).
3) Phrase the fact that... For example: Luke failed the exam in spite of / despite the fact that he was well prepared. - Luke failed the exam, despite the fact that he was well prepared.

That is, our phrase about Roger can be translated:
1) Roger is hungry in spite of / despite eight big sausages that he has eaten.
2) Roger is hungry in spite of / despite eating eight big sausages.
3) Roger is hungry in spite of / despite the fact (that) he "s eaten eight big sausages.

So, let's summarize.

1) “Despite” in English will be either inspiteof, or despite(without of)!
2) After inspiteof And despite you need to say a noun or gerund.
3) After inspiteof And despite You can't say a whole sentence. And if you really want to, you need to say despitethe fact that and then this proposal to speak.

Word "although" and his relatives

Now let's talk about wordalthough . Stop for a second and read it out loud.

Have you read it? If you read it like this: /olZOU/ - with the accent on the second syllable, and the letter Z “lisping” between the teeth, like Stanislav Sadalsky in the cartoon “Last Year’s Snow Was Falling,” - honor and praise to you!
What exactly does it mean? - "Although".

Example: Althoughthegorillawassoft, thegirlwasveryafraid. - Although the gorilla was soft, the girl was very scared.
Another example: Althoughmycatscratchesallthewallpaper, Ilovehim. - Even though my cat tears all the wallpaper, I still love him.

It should be especially noted that although often confused with despite.

Please answer: which sentence is correct - the first, second or both?

Jurgen drank all my beer although it was warm.
or
Jurgen drank all my beer despite it was warm.

Correct answer: the first sentence sounds great, but the second sentence sounds something like the Russian "Jurgen drank all my beer, despite on it it was warm." That is, the essence is clear, but grammatically it is nonsense.
It's correct to say this:

Jurgen drank all my beer despitethefactthat it was warm. (For more details, see above about inspiteof And despite).

Now - about though And even though.

Both of them are synonyms although. That is, we can say:

Althoughall my friends like pizza, I can't stand it.

Though all my friends like pizza, I can't stand it.

Even though all my friends like pizza, I can't stand it.

All three sentences mean: "Although all my friends love pizza, I can't stand it." What is the difference between these three words?

Though is used less often, which means absolutely the same. But eventhough we need to say it when we want not just to say “although,” but to directly emphasize our surprise at the fact that this happened.

For example: Eventhough 68 menproposedtoher, sheisstillsingle.- Although she has been proposed to 68 times, she is still single.

Well, how can you not be surprised by this? 68 proposals (over 68 years) - and still not married.

And now - an exercise.

Read the sentences and modify them using the words in brackets.

Example: Jack kissed the girl. He didn't love her. (although) - Jack kissed the girl although he didn't love her.

1. Jack washed his hands. Granny didn't give him a banana. (although)
2. I was driving at 160 kilometers an hour. I arrived late. (even though)
3. The singer forgot the lines (forgot the words). The concert was a great success. (despite)
4. I didn't hear my alarm clock. It rang three times. (even though)
5. The street musician played for five hours. He earned only 300 rubles. (in spite)
6. Henri Toulouse-Lautrec had very short legs. A lot of women loved him. (despite)
7. Look! Little Bobby is feeling fantastic. He has eaten one kilo of chocolates. (even though)
8. Look! Little Bobby is feeling fantastic. He has eaten one kilo of chocolates. (despite)
9. He plays the piano very well. He can't sing at all (can't sing at all) (although)
10. She is a very unhappy woman. She has a rich husband. (despite)

And one more thing. Doing exercises without saying them out loud is like learning driving while sitting in a classroom. We know everything about the carburetor and battery - but wouldn’t it be nice to drive the car in practice?

That's why I decided to record the keys on audio. So, having done the exercise, download the audio keys and listen to the mp3 many times, stopping after each sentence and repeating out loud after the recording. And so 20 times :)

All information about Anton Brezhestovsky’s school is on the new website brejestovski.com.

In our classes you will significantly improve your English and have a lot of fun.

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Mini English lessons on grammar, vocabulary and effective methods language learning.

You've probably come across the words although, though, even though in English sentences. Do you use them in speech? Do you know how to use them correctly?

In this material I will tell you all about the words although, though, even though and use examples to explain how to use them to express contrast.

First of all, let's understand how words are pronounced, because there are often mistakes made in their pronunciation. Usually the combination ough raises a lot of questions, since it has seven pronunciation options, which I told you about in.

The word although is pronounced like this: [ɔːl"ðəu]. Please note that at the beginning there is a long sound [ɔː], in the middle there is an interdental sound [ð], and at the end there is a diphthong [əu]. The combination gh not pronounced. Though is the shortened version and is pronounced [ðəu].

If you have difficulty reading English transcriptions, then you! Practice saying it out loud correctly.

Now about use.

Although and though are conjunctions. They connect two parts of a sentence and serve to express the contrast between ideas. These words have the same meaning and are translated into Russian as “although”, “even if”, “despite the fact that”.

The only fundamental difference is that though is a more informal, conversational option.

Although or though stand in that part of a sentence where there is an idea that contrasts or contradicts the main idea of ​​the sentence. When although or though are used, they mean something unusual that is not consistent with the main idea:

Although she doesn't have formal education, she works a top manager. - Although she doesn't have any education, she works as a top manager.

Although we did not know the city, we find the way to our hotel. - Although we did not know the city, we were able to find our way to our hotel.

As for position in a sentence, the words although or though can appear either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. The parts of the sentence are separated by a comma, but the words although or though themselves are not separated by commas:

(Al)though it was cold, we went to the seaside. - Although it was cold, we went to the sea.

We went to the seaside, (al)though the weather was cold. - We went to the sea, although it was cold.

(Al)though he was not hungry, he accepted the invitation to dinner. - Despite the fact that he was not hungry, he accepted the invitation to dinner.

He accepted the invitation to dinner, (al)though he was not hungry. - He accepted the invitation to dinner, despite the fact that he was not hungry.

To give a boost, use even though, but not even although:

Even though it was cold, we went to the seaside. - Although it was cold, we went to the sea.

Even though he was not hungry, he accepted the invitation to dinner. - Despite the fact that he was not hungry, he accepted the invitation to dinner.

Though is also used as an adverb to express contrast. In this case, it is used in a sentence with the meaning “although”, “however”, “nevertheless” and is separated by commas:

The day was long. It was eventful, though. - It was a long day. However, it was full of events.

The film is boring. The book, though, is quite interesting. - The film is boring. However, the book is quite interesting.

The adverb though can occupy a position at the end of the second, contrasting with the first, sentence, or in the middle of the sentence (after the subject). The location of an adverb does not affect its meaning in any way.

Essentially, the adverb though is the same as , the use of which I talked about quite recently. Perhaps you have a question: why use all these words if there is the word but (the use of which, by the way, we also talked to you not so long ago)?

First, your spoken language feels completely different when you use not just one, but different ways of expressing the connections between your ideas. Second, when you own different language means, it’s easier for you to express your thoughts, you say exactly what you want to say, and not “something close to what you meant.”

In addition, in English language exams, whether international or school exams, great attention focuses on how you connect your thoughts, what devices you use, and how accurately they are used in your speaking and writing. Using conjunctions can either add points to your score or detract from your score.

And lastly, most importantly: main problem many is that there are ideas, there is grammar, there is vocabulary, but it’s so difficult to connect your thoughts, to give them a logical and coherent form!

ENGINFORM teachers are well acquainted with this complexity and know how to work with it, so our individual lessons, and in preparation courses for and school exams we pay a lot of attention to practicing in various ways combine words into sentences, and sentences into texts and statements. We learn to speak and write correctly and confidently.

By the way, but, however, although and though are not all ways to combine ideas and express contrast in English. I will continue to tell you about this topic in future posts. Stay tuned and keep improving your English! Good luck!

When compiling English sentences in the English language it is very important to use conjunctions correctly and correctly, since they not only have a similar purpose, but also even meaning (translation).

Explaining the difference between one or another conjunction can be difficult; not even every native speaker copes with this task the first time. However, we need to understand the difference between unions in order to avoid mistakes.

Difference between "however" and "although"

These unions have the following translation:
« however" - "but, although";
« although" - "although, despite."

Word " however” usually written at the beginning of a sentence and followed by a comma. Used to contrast information between two parts of a sentence. Characteristic of a formal style of speech.

Word " although” can appear either at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence; there is no need for a comma after it. But it is followed by a subject and a predicate.

For example,
The trip was very boring, although it was well-organized. —
The trip was boring, although well organized.
We decided not to wear our jackets. However, the weather was cold. —
We decided not to wear jackets. Although it was cold outside.

Union though

Union " though" is equivalent to " although” and has a similar translation, but is less formal.

Attention!
In colloquial speech " though"occurs at the end of the sentence and is translated: "however, nevertheless, nevertheless." In this case, it cannot be replaced with "although".

For example,
We passed the exam, though we did not prepare well. —
We passed the exam, although we did not prepare well.

Contrasts however and nevertheless

In the English language, there are contrasting words, which are one of the simplest and most effective ways to diversify the speaker’s speech.

Another way to express contrast is to use the words " however" And " nevertheless“, which can be translated into Russian as “nevertheless, however, despite this.” These words can be the beginning of an independent sentence that contains a contradiction or be part of complex sentence. Nothing will change grammatically, and the meaning will remain the same.

For example,
I love you. Nevertheless, I must leave. =
I love you; nevertheless, I must leave. =
I love you, but I have to leave.

Moscow is a city of great opportunities; however, I prefer Irkutsk. —
Moscow is a city of great opportunities. However, I prefer Irkutsk.

Attention!
Words " however" And " nevertheless" are always separated by commas.

Features of the use of conjunctions however/although/though/nevertheless