Connectors

Question 1

In spite of / Despite / in spite of the fact that

Answer 1

A pesar de.

(contrast)

*We usually use in spite of and despite with a noun or with -ing:

• He got the job in spite of his prison record.
• John’s company is doing extremely well despite the recession.
• He was very fast in spite of being terribly overweight.
• They arrived late despite leaving in plenty of time.
• When they arrived at Malaga it was hot, in spite of the fact that it was only the end of April.

Question 2

Although / (Even) though

Answer 2

A pesar de o aunque.

• Followed by a complete sentence. If it is placed at the beginning we need to use a comma after the clause.
• Although / though / even though / in spite of the fact that the pupils had not studied, they all passed their exams’.