Grammar · B2
Although, despite, whereas, nevertheless
The difference is grammatical before it is anything else. Although and even though take a full clause. Despite and in spite of take a noun or an -ing form. Whereas draws a straight comparison between two things. Nevertheless and however join two separate sentences. Choosing wrongly produces the commonest advanced-level error in English writing.
Although, though and even though are conjunctions: they need a subject and a verb after them. Although it rained, the festival went ahead.
Despite and in spite of are prepositions: they need a noun, a pronoun or an -ing form. Despite the rain, the festival went ahead. If you want a clause after them, you must add the fact that.
Whereas and while draw a direct comparison between two things that differ: the north is industrial, whereas the south is agricultural. No concession is implied; it is simply a contrast.
However, nevertheless and nonetheless are adverbs. They connect two sentences and are followed by a comma. Yet works like but and joins clauses. Albeit is compressed and formal: an expensive decision, albeit a necessary one.
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the delays, the project came in under budget.