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.
Although is a conjunction. We use it before a clause.
2. We went out ................................... the rain.
The prepositions 'despite' and 'in spite of' are interchangeable.
3. We went out ............................... it was raining.
We use 'although' before a clause.
4. ............................ my husband didn't like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
The conjunctions 'though' and 'although' are interchangeable.
5. He passed the test. ............................, he didn't get the job.
'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.
7. They managed to do it ........................... I was not there.
8. Tired ............................. he was, he went on working.
9. .......................... hard she tried, she couldn't do it.
10. ................................ of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
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.
Although is a conjunction. We use it before a clause.
12. We understood him ................................ his strong accent.
Despite is a preposition. It goes before a noun.
Answers
1. Although the watch was expensive, he bought it.
2. We went out despite / in spite of the rain.
3. We went out although / though it was raining.
4. Though / although my husband didn’t like the movie, I enjoyed it a lot.
5. He passed the test. However, he didn’t get the job.
6. Although / though he passed the test, he didn’t get the job.
7. They managed to do it though / although I was not there.
8. Tired though he was, he went on working.
9. However hard she tried, she couldn’t do it.
10. In spite of the headache, I enjoyed the movie.
11. Although I don’t agree with him, I think he is honest.
12. We understood him despite his strong accent.
