What is the difference between although and despite?

Both concede a surprising fact, but the grammar differs. Although takes a clause: Although the shop was closed, we waited. Despite takes a noun or -ing form: Despite the closure, we waited. Despite the shop was closed is the error this pair produces.

Can I start a sentence with however?

Yes. However, the next word should be a comma, and what follows must be a complete sentence: The data were incomplete. However, the pattern was clear. You can also park however after the subject: The pattern, however, was clear. What you cannot do is join two clauses with a comma plus however.

When do I use whereas instead of although?

Use whereas when you are mapping two facts of similar weight, with no claim that one makes the other surprising: The left panel is original, whereas the right panel is a copy. Use although when the first fact would lead you to expect the opposite of the second: Although the panel is a copy, it is still valuable.

Are despite and in spite of the same?

For meaning, yes. Both take a noun, a pronoun, or -ing, and both concede. In spite of is three words and can feel a shade more formal, but either is correct: despite the noise, in spite of the noise, in spite of being tired. Never write despite of.

Is while a time word or a contrasting word?

Both. While I was waiting, the lights went out is time. While the old model is bulky, the new one fits in a pocket is contrast. If the two clauses share a period of time, read while as during. If they name two standing qualities, read it as whereas.

English grammar · Intermediate

Contrasting Words: Although, Despite, Whereas, and However

Written by Eleanor Whitfield, Lead English Curriculum Editor · Reviewed September 2026

Contrasting words and phrases signal that two ideas pull in different directions: a surprise, a limit, or a straight opposition. English has a large set, and they are not interchangeable, because they occupy different grammatical slots. Although and even though are conjunctions that introduce a clause; despite and in spite of take a noun or -ing form; whereas and while set two facts against each other; however, nevertheless, and on the other hand stand between sentences. Choosing the right one is a matter of structure first, then of tone.

Although the forecast was grim, we set off; the roads, however, were clear.

although joins a clause; however links two sentences

What it is

A contrast marker tells the reader that the next idea does not simply continue the last one. The set is broader than the four words most coursebooks drill (although, even though, despite, in spite of). Whereas and while put two facts side by side and highlight the difference between them. However, on the other hand, nevertheless, even so, and yet connect whole sentences and belong to a more formal, written register. The grammar of the slot decides the form that follows: a full clause after although, a noun phrase after despite, a new sentence after however. Mixing those slots is the error this page exists to stop.

Even though the café was packed, we found a table. Despite the crowd, we found a table. The café was packed. However, we found a table. (Three structures, one meaning.)

How to spot it

Look for a word that sets up a clash between two parts of the message. If a finite verb follows (although she left), you have a conjunction. If a noun or -ing form follows (despite the rain, in spite of feeling ill), you have a preposition. If the word sits at the start or in the middle of a new sentence, often with commas (The plan failed. It was, nevertheless, worth trying.), you have a sentence adverb.

Although it was late, the shop was still open. (although plus a clause)
Despite the hour, the shop was still open. (despite plus a noun phrase)
The coastal path is rocky, whereas the valley path is smooth. (whereas contrasts two facts)
Tickets were scarce. On the other hand, prices had fallen. (on the other hand between sentences)

While can contrast or talk about time. If both clauses describe the same period (While I was cooking, the phone rang), it is time. If they describe two standing facts (While Paris is expensive, Lyon is reasonable), it is contrast.

Contrasting Words and Phrases Quick Reference

The main contrast markers and what follows them

Marker	Followed by	Example
although / even though / though	a clause (subject + verb)	Although she was tired, she stayed.
despite / in spite of	a noun, pronoun, or -ing form	Despite the delay, we arrived. In spite of feeling ill, he played.
whereas / while (contrast)	a clause, often a standing fact	Lions hunt at night, whereas cheetahs hunt by day.
however / nevertheless / even so	a new sentence, with commas or a semicolon	The test was hard. However, everyone passed.
on the other hand	a new sentence: a second, different point	The hotel is central. On the other hand, it is noisy.
yet / still (contrast)	a clause, often after a comma	It was raining, yet the park was full.
not only ... but also	two parallel phrases; inversion is possible after not only	Not only is she late, but she has also lost the keys.

Common Contrasting Words and Phrases Examples in English

Grouped by the kind of contrast, because the words are not synonyms even when the translation looks the same:

Concession: Against Expectation

Although the path was icy, nobody slipped.: a clause after although
Even though he had a map, he took the wrong turning.: even though is a stronger although
Despite the ice, nobody slipped.: despite plus a noun, no verb
In spite of having a map, he took the wrong turning.: in spite of plus -ing

Concession says: this fact would make you expect the opposite, and yet the opposite did not happen. The dedicated although / despite page drills the clause-versus-noun choice in more depth.

Side-by-Side Opposition

The north is industrial, whereas the south is rural.: whereas for two standing facts
While my brother loves spicy food, I can barely handle pepper.: while here means by contrast, not during
She prefers the bus, whereas he always cycles.: two subjects, two habits
The old software is slow but stable, while the new one is fast but fragile.: while pairing two descriptions

Whereas and contrastive while do not claim surprise. They simply hold two facts up and ask you to notice the difference.

Sentence-Level Connectors

Demand has risen. However, supply has not kept up.: however after a full stop
The evidence is thin; nevertheless, the jury convicted.: nevertheless after a semicolon
The route is longer. On the other hand, it avoids the hills.: a second, balancing point
She had little training. Even so, she finished in the top ten.: even so: in spite of that

These words do not join two clauses inside one sentence with a comma alone. A full stop, a semicolon, or a period plus a capital is required.

Light Contrast Inside a Clause

The room was small yet comfortable.: yet between two adjectives
He promised to help, yet nothing arrived.: yet as a weaker but
I explained it twice, and she still looked confused.: still marks an unchanged situation
The plan was risky. Still, we went ahead.: still as a sentence adverb

Yet and still are available in speech and in short sentences. They do not replace although when you need a full concessive clause at the front of a sentence.

How Contrasting Words Work

The first decision is grammatical slot. Tone and formality come second.

Match the Marker to What Follows

Although, even though, and though take a clause: someone or something plus a verb. Despite and in spite of take a noun phrase, a pronoun, or an -ing form, never a finite verb on its own. However, nevertheless, and on the other hand take a whole new sentence. If you remember only one rule, remember this one: Despite she was late is ungrammatical because despite cannot host a clause.

Although she was late, we waited. Despite her lateness, we waited.

clause after although, noun after despite

Clause, noun, or new sentence: pick the matching marker.

Concession Is Not the Same as Opposition

Although and despite concede: they admit a fact that makes the main clause surprising. Whereas and while oppose: they set two facts of equal weight against each other, with no surprise required. Mixing them muddies the logic. Although the north is industrial, the south is rural sounds as if the south's rural character is unexpected; Whereas the north is industrial, the south is rural simply maps a difference.

Although it rained, the pitch was playable. The east wing is original, whereas the west wing is a later addition.

rain makes playability surprising; the two wings are simply different

Surprise: although. Two facts: whereas.

However Is an Adverb, Not a Conjunction

In modern formal English, however does not join two clauses the way but does. The report was late, however nobody complained is a comma splice. Write The report was late. However, nobody complained, or The report was late; however, nobody complained, or The report was late, but nobody complained. The same punctuation applies to nevertheless, nonetheless, on the other hand, and even so.

Costs rose. However, profits held steady.

full stop before however, comma after it

However starts a new sentence, or follows a semicolon.

Even Though Is Stronger; Though Is More Spoken

Even though adds emphasis: the conceded fact is particularly strong. Though at the front of a clause is a slightly informal although; at the end of a sentence it is a spoken afterthought (It was worth it, though). Despite and in spite of mean the same; in spite of is two extra words and slightly more formal in some styles, but the choice is free.

Even though the exam was open-book, half the class failed. It was open-book, though.

even though stresses the clash; final though is a comment

Even though for force; though for a lighter or final comment.

Common Mistakes with Contrasting Words and Phrases

Incorrect: Despite she was qualified, they did not hire her.

Correct: Despite being qualified, they did not hire her. / Although she was qualified, they did not hire her.

Despite cannot be followed by a subject-plus-verb clause. It needs a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing form. If you want to keep she was, switch the marker to although.

Incorrect: The train was delayed, however we still made the connection.

Correct: The train was delayed. However, we still made the connection.

However is a sentence adverb, not a coordinating conjunction. A comma is not enough to join the two clauses; you need a full stop or a semicolon, plus a comma after however.

Incorrect: Although it was expensive, but the quality was excellent.

Correct: Although it was expensive, the quality was excellent.

Although already marks the contrast, so but is redundant and ungrammatical. Use although plus a comma, or drop although and keep but.

Incorrect: While I was tired, my sister is a morning person.

Correct: Whereas I am tired in the mornings, my sister is a morning person.

While plus a past continuous reads as time (during the period when I was tired), not as contrast. For two standing differences, whereas or a contrastive while with two present simple clauses is the clearer choice.

Punctuation and the Although / However Split

Two traps sit at the border between this set and ordinary sentence structure.

Do not combine although and but, or although and however

One concessive marker is enough. Although it was raining, but we went out doubles the job and is ungrammatical. Pick although for the subordinate clause, or pick but / however for a second main clause, never both.

Although it was raining, we went out.: although alone
It was raining, but we went out.: but alone
It was raining. However, we went out.: however alone, new sentence

The same ban applies to despite ... but and even though ... however inside one sentence.

Mid-sentence however

However can sit after the subject, between commas, instead of at the front. The meaning does not change; the rhythm does, and the interruption puts a light stress on the subject.

The first design, however, was rejected.: however after the subject
We did, nevertheless, finish on time.: nevertheless in the same mid slot
The figures, on the other hand, tell a different story.: a longer marker in mid position

Front position (However, the first design was rejected.) is clearer for most learners and is never wrong.

Quick Check: Contrasting Words and Phrases

Choose the marker that fits the grammar of the gap, and fix the punctuation if you need to.

1. ___ the delay, the audience stayed in their seats. (Although / Despite)

Answer: Despite

a noun follows, so despite

2. ___ the delay was announced, the audience stayed in their seats. (Although / Despite)

Answer: Although

a clause follows, so although

3. Olive oil is used in the south, ___ butter is more common in the north. (however / whereas)

Answer: whereas

two standing facts inside one sentence

4. The first candidate was impressive. ___, the second had more experience. (Although / On the other hand)

Answer: On the other hand

a new sentence needs a sentence adverb

5. Rewrite with a full stop: The climb was steep, however the view repaid it.

Answer: The climb was steep. However, the view repaid it.

however cannot join with a comma alone

Contrasting Words and Phrases FAQs

What is the difference between although and despite?: Both concede a surprising fact, but the grammar differs. Although takes a clause: Although the shop was closed, we waited. Despite takes a noun or -ing form: Despite the closure, we waited. Despite the shop was closed is the error this pair produces.
Can I start a sentence with however?: Yes. However, the next word should be a comma, and what follows must be a complete sentence: The data were incomplete. However, the pattern was clear. You can also park however after the subject: The pattern, however, was clear. What you cannot do is join two clauses with a comma plus however.
When do I use whereas instead of although?: Use whereas when you are mapping two facts of similar weight, with no claim that one makes the other surprising: The left panel is original, whereas the right panel is a copy. Use although when the first fact would lead you to expect the opposite of the second: Although the panel is a copy, it is still valuable.
Are despite and in spite of the same?: For meaning, yes. Both take a noun, a pronoun, or -ing, and both concede. In spite of is three words and can feel a shade more formal, but either is correct: despite the noise, in spite of the noise, in spite of being tired. Never write despite of.
Is while a time word or a contrasting word?: Both. While I was waiting, the lights went out is time. While the old model is bulky, the new one fits in a pocket is contrast. If the two clauses share a period of time, read while as during. If they name two standing qualities, read it as whereas.