► although conjunction used when mentioning a fact that makes the other part of your sentence seem surprising or less definite:
I like playing basketball, although I’m not very good at it.Although she said she would visit us while she was here, she never even called.► though conjunction (informal) Though means the same as although but sounds a little more informal:
I really like Ben, though I don’t see him very often.Though my mother doesn’t always agree with my decisions, she still supports me completely. ➔ GRAMMAR: Though is not used at the beginning of a sentence as often as although.► even though conjunction (informal) even though means the same as although, but it is used to emphasize that a situation is very surprising:
He can still remember that day, even though it was more than 20 years ago.► despite AWL preposition used to say that although something bad happens or exists, something good or surprising still happens or exists:
Despite our worries, I’m sure the show will go well.Cats will drink from puddles outside, despite the fact that they have a clean bowl of water in the kitchen. ➔ GRAMMAR: Don't say: despite of our worries or despite we are worried. Say: despite our worries.► in spite of preposition in spite of means the same as despite but is less common:
Watching the game was fun, in spite of the rain. ➔ GRAMMAR: Don't say: in spite of raining or in spite that it was raining. Say: in spite of the rain.► even so adverb despite what you have just mentioned:
She knew she was well prepared for the test. Even so, she felt nervous.► while conjunction used to say that although something is true of one person, thing, or situation, it is not true of another:
Some plants need lots of sunlight, while others grow better in the shade.While some of the children speak English well, others are still learning the language.➔ You can also use while to start a sentence by saying something that makes the rest of the sentence seem surprising or the opposite of what you said before: While I like Ryan, I don’t like what he’s doing.► whereas AWL conjunction (formal) whereas means the same as while:
In most societies women travel to live with their husbands, whereas men tend to remain close to their relatives.