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.
This grammar exercise tests your ability to use these words correctly.
1............... the watch was expensive, he bought it.
Wrong!
Although is a conjunction. We use it before a clause.
2We went out ............... the rain.
Wrong!
The prepositions 'despite' and 'in spite of' are interchangeable.
3We went out ............... it was raining.
Wrong!
We use 'although' before a clause.
4............... my husband didn't like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
Wrong!
The conjunctions 'though' and 'although' are interchangeable.
5He passed the test. ..............., he didn't get the job.
Wrong!
'However' is not a conjunction. It is a transitional adverb and goes at the beginning of the sentence.
6............... he passed the test, he didn't get the job.
Wrong!
7They managed to do it ............... I was not there.
Wrong!
8Tired ............... he was, he went on working.
Wrong!
9............... hard she tried, she couldn't do it.
Wrong!
10............... of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
Wrong!
The correct expression is 'in spite of'. It means the same as 'despite'.
11............... I don't agree with him, I think he is honest.
Wrong!
Although is a conjunction. We use it before a clause.
12We understood him ............... his strong accent.
Wrong!
Despite is a preposition. It goes before a noun.
Done.
Score: 0/12
Answers
- Although the watch was expensive, he bought it.
- We went out Either could be used here the rain.
- We went out although it was raining.
- Either could be used here my husband didn’t like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
- He passed the test. However, he didn’t get the job.
- Although he passed the test, he didn’t get the job.
- They managed to do it although I was not there.
- Tired though he was, he went on working.
- However hard she tried, she couldn’t do it.
- In spite of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
- Although I don’t agree with him, I think he is honest.
- We understood him despite his strong accent.
