The expressions though, although, even though and even if are conjunctions. They are followed by clauses. Despite and in spite of are prepositions followed by nouns or gerunds. While these expressions have very similar meanings, they are used in different structures. Test your understanding of these conjunctions and prepositions with this grammar exercise.
Fill in the blanks.
1I enjoyed the party ............... having a headache.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "despite" or "in spite of" before the -ing phrase "having a headache."
2............... he was there, he did not acknowledge my presence.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Though" or "Although" before the full clause "he was there."
3............... she was angry, she said nothing.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Though" or "Although" before the full clause "she was angry."
4She passed her exam ............... having a bad teacher.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "despite" or "in spite of" before the -ing phrase "having a bad teacher."
5............... the train was late, I managed to arrive on time.
Wrong!
Use "Even though" because the train being late was a real past situation, not a condition.
6I will do it ............... it kills me.
Wrong!
Use "even if" to introduce a strong hypothetical condition.
7............... his disability, he works very hard.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "In spite of" or "Despite" before the noun phrase "his disability."
8............... I didn't understand a word, I kept smiling.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Though" or "Even though" before the full clause "I didn't understand a word."
9The strongest argument, ..............., is political, not economic.
Wrong!
Use "though" as an adverb meaning "however" in the middle of the sentence.
10............... I don't agree with his views, I think he is honest.
Select 3 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Though", "Although", or "Even though" before the full clause "I don't agree with his views."
11............... she worked very hard, she didn't get the promotion.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "Though" or "Although" before the full clause "she worked very hard."
12............... performing well in the interview, she didn't get the job.
Select 2 answers.
Wrong!
Use "In spite of" or "Despite" before the -ing phrase "performing well in the interview."
Answers
- I enjoyed the party despite / in spite of having a headache.
- Though / Although he was there, he did not acknowledge my presence.
- Though / Although she was angry, she said nothing.
- She passed her exam despite / in spite of having a bad teacher.
- Even though the train was late, I managed to arrive on time.
- I will do it even if it kills me.
- In spite of / Despite his disability, he works very hard.
- Though / Even though I didn’t understand a word, I kept smiling.
- The strongest argument, though, is political, not economic.
- Though / Although / Even though I don’t agree with his views, I think he is honest.
- Though / Although she worked very hard, she didn’t get the promotion.
- In spite of / Despite performing well in the interview, she didn’t get the job.