Grammar Rule in 30 Seconds
Use 'Despite' before a noun or -ing word, but use 'Although' before a full sentence with a subject and verb.
- Despite + Noun/Pronoun: 'Despite the rain, we went out.'
- Although + Subject + Verb: 'Although it was raining, we went out.'
- Despite + -ing: 'Despite feeling sick, she finished the race.'
Overview
although と despite は非常に厄介な存在です。なぜなら、日本語に訳すとどちらも「〜にもかかわらず」「〜だけれども」という同じ意味になってしまうからです。日本語では、文の構造を大きく変えずに「雨だったけれど」とも「雨にもかかわらず」とも言えますが、英語ではこの2つの単語を使い分ける際、その後に続く「言葉の形」を厳格に変えなければなりません。although は「接続詞（conjunction）」であり、despite は「前置詞（preposition）」です。この文法用語を聞くと難しく感じるかもしれませんが、要は「後ろに文（主語＋動詞）が来るか、名詞が来るか」というルールの違いです。このルールを無視してしまうと、英語のネイティブスピーカーにとっては非常に不自然で、時には意味が通りにくい文章になってしまいます。although と even thoughalthough と、その強調形である even though は「接続詞」です。接続詞の役割は、2つの「文（節）」をつなぐことです。つまり、although の後ろには必ず [主語 (Subject) + 動詞 (Verb)] のセットが来なければなりません。- 基本構造:
although/even though+ 主語 + 動詞
although の直後に必要です。Althoughthe project (S) was (V) difficult, we finished it on time.Even thoughit (S) rained (V) heavily, they went for a walk.
despite と in spite ofdespite とその同義語である in spite of は「前置詞」です。前置詞とは、in, at, on などと同じ仲間で、後ろには必ず [名詞] または [名詞に相当するフレーズ] が来ます。動詞を置きたい場合は、-ing 形（動名詞）にする必要があります。- 基本構造:
despite/in spite of+ 名詞 / 代名詞 / 動名詞 (-ing)
Despitethe difficult project (名詞句), we finished it on time.In spite ofthe heavy rain (名詞句), they went for a walk.Despitefeeling (動名詞) tired, he kept working.
despite the fact thatdespite を使いたいけれど、後ろに文（主語＋動詞）を続けたい」という時に使える便利なフレーズがあります。それが despite the fact that... です。この the fact が名詞の役割を果たすため、その後に that 節として文を続けることが可能になります。- 構造:
despite the fact that+ 主語 + 動詞
Despite the fact thatthe project (S) was (V) difficult, we finished it on time.
although を使ったほうがシンプルで好まれます。although や despite のフレーズを置くときは、主節（メインの文）との間にコンマを入れます。これは、読者に対して「ここで前提条件の説明が終わって、ここからがメインの話ですよ」という合図を送るためです。Although + S + V, 主節. | Although it was cold, he didn't wear a coat. |Despite + 名詞句, 主節. | Despite the cold weather, he didn't wear a coat. |Even though + S + V, 主節. | Even though it was cold, he didn't wear a coat. |although + S + V. | He didn't wear a coat although it was cold. |despite + 名詞句. | He didn't wear a coat despite the cold weather. |in spite of + 名詞句. | He didn't wear a coat in spite of the cold. |although よりも even though を使うと、「〜なのに、驚いたことに…」というニュアンスが強まります。日本語の「たとえ〜だとしても」や「あんなに〜だったのに」という感情がこもった表現に近いですね。Even thoughI practiced every day, I failed the audition. (毎日練習したのに！という悔しさや驚き)
despite は、長い文を名詞一つに凝縮できるため、レポートやビジネスメールで好まれます。文章が引き締まり、知的な印象を与えます。Despitethe budget cuts, we achieved our targets. (予算削減があったにもかかわらず…)
although で書くと Although the budget was cut... となり、少し説明的な響きになります。although や despite は非常に有効です。これは日本語の「おっしゃることは分かりますが…」というクッション言葉に似ています。Althoughyour plan is creative, I'm concerned about the cost.Despitethe merits of your proposal, we cannot ignore the risks.
despite の後ろに文を置いてしまう- × Incorrect:
DespiteI was busy, I helped him. - ○ Correct:
AlthoughI was busy, I helped him. - ○ Correct:
Despitebeing busy, I helped him.
despite の直後に I was busy を置いてしまいがちです。しかし、despite は前置詞なので、必ず名詞か -ing 形にする必要があります。despite of と言ってしまう- × Incorrect:
Despite ofthe rain... - ○ Correct:
Despitethe rain... - ○ Correct:
In spite ofthe rain...
in spite of と混同してしまうために起こるミスです。despite は1語で前置詞の働きをするので、of は絶対に必要ありません。これはTOEICなどの試験でも非常によく狙われるポイントです。- × Incorrect:
Althoughfelt tired, she finished the report. - ○ Correct:
Althoughshe felt tired, she finished the report.
although は接続詞なので、後ろに必ず主語 she が必要です。主語を言いたくない場合は、Despite feeling tired と動名詞を使いましょう。but や however との違いを表で整理しましょう。Although | 接続詞 | 文の途中や文頭で2つの節をつなぐ。 | Although it was late, he called her. |Despite | 前置詞 | 後ろは名詞のみ。文をコンパクトにする。 | Despite the late hour, he called her. |But | 等位接続詞 | 文の途中で使い、前の文と対比させる。文頭にはあまり置かない。 | It was late, but he called her. |However | 接続副詞 | 前の文を一度終わらせてから、新しい文で「しかし」と言う。 | It was late. However, he called her. |butは非常にカジュアルで、2つの文を対等につなぎます。howeverは文を一旦切り、一呼吸置いてから反対意見を言う時に使います。文頭に置いてコンマを打つのが一般的です (However, ...)。althoughとdespiteは、メインの文に対して「〜という状況があるけれども」という「条件・譲歩」のニュアンスを付け加える時に使います。
despite と in spite of に意味の違いはありますか？despite の方が1語で済むため、現代の英語（特にビジネスやニュース）ではより頻繁に使われる傾向があります。in spite of は少しだけ伝統的、あるいは強調したい時に使われることがあります。But を使ってはいけないと習いましたが、Although はいいのですか？Although は文頭で使うのが非常に一般的で、正しい文法です。一方、But は本来、2つの文をつなぐ「接着剤」のような役割なので、文頭に置くのはインフォーマルな書き方とされています（最近では許容されることも多いですが）。アカデミックなライティングやビジネスメールでは、文頭には Although や Despite を使うのが無難です。Despite の後ろに -ing（動名詞）を使う時の主語はどうなりますか？Despite feeling sick, I went to school. なら、feeling sick なのは I です。もし主語が異なる場合は、Despite the fact that... を使うか、Despite his illness, I... のように名詞の前に所有格（his, myなど）を置く必要があります。Even though と Even if は同じですか？Even though は「（実際に）〜だけれども」という事実に基づいています。一方、Even if は「たとえ（もし）〜だとしても」という仮定の話です。例えば、Even though it is raining は今雨が降っていますが、Even if it rains はまだ降っていないけれどもし降ったら、という意味になります。今回の although の仲間は even though ですので、混同しないようにしましょう。although と despite の使い分けができるようになると、英語の表現力が一気に中級者のレベルへと引き上がります。まずは、自分が言いたいことが「文（主語＋動詞）」なのか「名詞」なのかを立ち止まって考える癖をつけてみてください。最初は時間がかかるかもしれませんが、意識して練習すれば、自然に口から出てくるようになりますよ。頑張りましょう（頑張ってください）！Structure Comparison
| Word | Grammar Category | Followed By... | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Although
|
Conjunction
|
Subject + Verb (Clause)
|
Although it was late...
|
|
Even though
|
Conjunction (Strong)
|
Subject + Verb (Clause)
|
Even though it was late...
|
|
Despite
|
Preposition
|
Noun / Pronoun / -ing
|
Despite the time...
|
|
In spite of
|
Prepositional Phrase
|
Noun / Pronoun / -ing
|
In spite of the time...
|
|
Despite the fact that
|
Complex Preposition
|
Subject + Verb (Clause)
|
Despite the fact that it was late...
|
Meanings
Both words are used to introduce a contrast or a 'concession'—showing that something happened even though there was an obstacle or a reason for it not to happen.
Clausal Concession
Using 'although' to connect two complete ideas where one makes the other surprising.
“Although she studied hard, she failed the exam.”
“I enjoyed the film although it was very long.”
Prepositional Concession
Using 'despite' to introduce a noun or gerund that contrasts with the main clause.
“Despite the noise, I slept well.”
“He arrived on time despite the heavy traffic.”
The 'Fact That' Bridge
Using 'despite the fact that' to allow a full clause to follow 'despite'.
“Despite the fact that it was raining, we played football.”
“He passed despite the fact that he hadn't studied.”
Reference Table
| 種類 | 単語 | 後ろに続くもの | 例文 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
接続詞
|
`Although`
|
主語 + 動詞
|
`Although` the team played well, they lost.
|
|
接続詞
|
`Even though`
|
主語 + 動詞
|
`Even though` the team played well, they lost.
|
|
前置詞
|
`Despite`
|
名詞 または 動名詞
|
`Despite` playing well, the team lost.
|
|
前置詞
|
`In spite of`
|
名詞 または 動名詞
|
`In spite of` their good performance, the team lost.
|
|
つなぎ言葉
|
`Despite the fact that`
|
主語 + 動詞
|
`Despite the fact that` they played well, they lost.
|
|
つなぎ言葉
|
`In spite of the fact that`
|
主語 + 動詞
|
`In spite of the fact that` they played well, they lost.
|
フォーマル度スペクトル
The match proceeded notwithstanding the inclement weather. (Sports event)
The match continued despite the heavy rain. (Sports event)
We kept playing even though it was pouring. (Sports event)
We stayed out tho it was raining cats and dogs. (Sports event)
「逆説」のファミリー
節（主語 + 動詞）が続く
- Although Although it rained...
- Even though Even though it rained...
名詞 または 動名詞 (-ing) が続く
- Despite Despite the rain...
- In spite of In spite of the rain...
Although vs. Despite
どっちの単語を選ぶ？
空欄の後のフレーズに「主語」と「動詞」がありますか？
文章の組み立てパーツ
節（Although 用）
- • the food was cold
- • he is my brother
- • the internet is slow
名詞/動名詞（Despite 用）
- • the cold food
- • being my brother
- • the slow internet
レベル別の例文
Although it is raining, I am happy.
Although it is raining, I am happy.
Despite the rain, I am happy.
Despite the rain, I am happy.
I like the car although it is old.
I like the car although it is old.
Despite the heat, he is wearing a coat.
Despite the heat, he is wearing a coat.
Although he was hungry, he didn't eat.
Although he was hungry, he didn't eat.
Despite his hunger, he didn't eat.
Despite his hunger, he didn't eat.
In spite of the noise, I slept well.
In spite of the noise, I slept well.
She went to work although she felt sick.
She went to work although she felt sick.
Despite being a millionaire, he drives an old car.
Despite being a millionaire, he drives an old car.
Although the team played well, they lost the match.
Although the team played well, they lost the match.
He passed the exam despite the fact that he was ill.
He passed the exam despite the fact that he was ill.
I enjoyed the holiday despite the bad weather.
I enjoyed the holiday despite the bad weather.
Even though I've seen the movie before, I'd like to see it again.
Even though I've seen the movie before, I'd like to see it again.
Despite having lived there for years, he doesn't speak the language.
Despite having lived there for years, he doesn't speak the language.
The project was a success, although it took longer than expected.
The project was a success, although it took longer than expected.
In spite of all our efforts, we couldn't save the company.
In spite of all our efforts, we couldn't save the company.
Notwithstanding the recent improvements, the system remains flawed.
Notwithstanding the recent improvements, the system remains flawed.
He decided to buy the house, despite its numerous structural issues.
He decided to buy the house, despite its numerous structural issues.
The results were impressive, albeit somewhat inconsistent.
The results were impressive, albeit somewhat inconsistent.
Much as I admire his work, I find his latest novel disappointing.
Much as I admire his work, I find his latest novel disappointing.
For all his bravado, he was actually quite terrified.
For all his bravado, he was actually quite terrified.
The treaty was signed, the objections of the minority notwithstanding.
The treaty was signed, the objections of the minority notwithstanding.
Granted that the technology is new, it still shouldn't fail this often.
Granted that the technology is new, it still shouldn't fail this often.
Even if we were to increase the budget, the timeline remains unrealistic.
Even if we were to increase the budget, the timeline remains unrealistic.
間違えやすい
Learners think they have different meanings or that 'despite' needs 'of'.
Learners use them interchangeably in the same sentence position.
Learners aren't sure which one is 'stronger'.
よくある間違い
I go out although rain.
I go out although it is raining.
Despite of the cold, I am happy.
Despite the cold, I am happy.
Although it was hot, but I wore a coat.
Although it was hot, I wore a coat.
Despite I was tired, I worked.
Despite being tired, I worked.
In spite the rain, we played.
In spite of the rain, we played.
Although my sickness, I came.
Despite my sickness, I came.
He is rich although he is unhappy.
He is rich, although he is unhappy.
Despite he arrived late, he saw the show.
Despite arriving late, he saw the show.
Although the fact that it was late, we stayed.
Despite the fact that it was late, we stayed.
I like him despite he is rude.
I like him although he is rude.
Albeit he was tired, he finished.
Albeit tired, he finished.
文型パターン
Despite ___, I still ___.
Although it was ___, we ___.
I decided to ___ despite the fact that ___.
Despite not ___, she ___.
Real World Usage
Despite my lack of direct experience in this field, I have many transferable skills.
I'm coming although I'll be a bit late!
Best day ever despite the rain! ☔
Although the results were statistically significant, the sample size was small.
The hotel was great although the room was a bit noisy.
I am writing to complain because the product broke despite only being used once.
動詞があるかチェック！
although を使いましょう: Although he is busy, he helps me.
Despite of は間違い
despite に of は不要です。 in spite of と混ざらないように注意！: Despite the cold, he wore a T-shirt.
the fact that で解決
despite の後に文を置きたいときは、このフレーズを挟むと文法的にも完璧で、上級者っぽく聞こえます: Despite the fact that it was late, he called me.
フォーマル度の違い
Despite はレポートやニュースなど、少し硬い場面でよく好まれます。 Although は会話でも書き言葉でも使える万能選手です: Despite the low budget, the project was a success.
Smart Tips
Stop! Count the words. 'Despite' is 1 word. 'In spite of' is 3 words. There is no 2-word version.
Add the 'magic bridge': 'the fact that'. It fixes the grammar instantly.
Delete the 'But'. 'Although' already does the work of showing contrast.
Try putting 'though' at the end of your second sentence.
発音
Stress on 'Although'
The stress is on the second syllable: al-THOUGH.
Stress on 'Despite'
The stress is on the second syllable: de-SPITE.
Concessive Rise
Although it was raining (rise), we went out (fall).
The rising intonation on the first clause signals that the thought is not yet finished.
暗記しよう
記憶術
A-L-T-H-O-U-G-H has a 'V' hidden in its soul (Verb), while D-E-S-P-I-T-E is just a 'N' (Noun).
視覚的連想
Imagine 'Although' as a bridge connecting two islands (clauses). Imagine 'Despite' as a backpack (preposition) carrying a heavy rock (noun).
Rhyme
Although needs a verb to play, Despite takes a noun and walks away.
Story
A man named Al (Although) always brings a friend (Subject) and a dog (Verb) to the party. A woman named Des (Despite) only brings her purse (Noun).
Word Web
チャレンジ
Look around you. Find something you don't like about your room. Say: 'I like this room although [reason].' Then say: 'I like this room despite [reason].'
文化メモ
In informal British English, 'though' is very frequently used at the end of a sentence to mean 'however'.
Using 'despite' or 'notwithstanding' is preferred over 'but' in academic essays to create a more formal, objective tone.
Americans often use 'even though' more frequently than 'although' in casual conversation for added emphasis.
'Despite' comes from the Old French 'despit', meaning 'contempt'. 'Although' is a combination of 'all' (used for emphasis) and 'though'.
会話のきっかけ
What is something you did recently despite being very tired?
Although you are busy, what is one hobby you never skip?
Have you ever bought something although it was too expensive?
What's a place you love visiting despite the fact that it's crowded?
日記のテーマ
よくある間違い
Test Yourself
___ it was cold, she didn't wear a jacket.
He passed the test ___ not studying very much.
Find and fix the mistake:
Despite he is very rich, he is not happy.
正しい文を選んでください：
Score: /4
練習問題
8 exercises___ the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
Which sentence is correct?
Find and fix the mistake:
Despite he was sick, he went to school.
Although it was cold, she didn't wear a coat.
Match the following:
You can use 'despite' and 'although' interchangeably without changing the words that follow them.
A: Did you enjoy the hike? B: Yes, ___ it was quite exhausting.
Select the correct word to follow 'Despite'.
Score: /8
Practice Bank
13 exercisesI enjoyed the movie, ___ it was very long.
___ the bad weather, the game will be played.
We are good friends, ___ we don't see each other very often.
In spite of she was tired, she finished the race.
He bought the car, despite of the high price.
正しい文を選んでください：
正しい文を選んでください：
「渋滞がひどかったけれど、時間通りに着きました」を despite を使って英語にしてください。
「お金があまりないけれど、旅行したいです」を although を使って英語にしてください。
単語を並べ替えて正しい文を作ってください：
単語を並べ替えて正しい文を作ってください：
文の前半と後半を正しく組み合わせてください：
単語と、その後に続く要素を組み合わせてください：
Score: /13
よくある質問 (8)
No, 'despite' is a preposition and needs an object. However, you can use 'though' at the end of a sentence in informal English.
Slightly. 'Despite' is very common in writing and formal speech, while 'although' and 'even though' are more common in everyday conversation.
There is no difference in meaning or grammar. 'Despite' is one word, and 'in spite of' is three words. They are interchangeable.
Yes! This is very common. For example: 'Despite being ill, he went to work.'
Because 'despite' is already a preposition. Adding 'of' is redundant and grammatically incorrect in English.
Yes, you can. Just remember to put a comma after the first clause. 'Although it was late, I called him.'
Yes, but it is stronger. Use 'even though' when you want to emphasize that the contrast is very surprising.
It is a longer way of saying 'although'. It allows you to use 'despite' followed by a full sentence (a clause).
Scaffolded Practice
1
2
3
4
Mastery Progress
Needs Practice
Improving
Strong
Mastered
In Other Languages
A pesar de / Aunque
Spanish 'aunque' can take the subjunctive mood, which English doesn't use here.
Malgré / Bien que
French 'bien que' always requires the subjunctive mood.
Trotz / Obwohl
German 'obwohl' sends the verb to the end of the clause.
~のに (~noni)
Japanese connectors are often suffixes or particles rather than starting words.
بالرغم من (bi-r-raghmi min) / مع أن (ma'a anna)
Arabic structures often require a specific pronoun suffix after 'anna'.
虽然 (suīrán) / 尽管 (jǐnguǎn)
English forbids using 'although' and 'but' together, while Chinese requires it.
Learning Path
Prerequisites
関連動画
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03:10 Mad Max: Fury Road - I Live, I Die, I Live Again Scene (2/10) | Movieclips
02:06 Joey Doesn't Share Food! | Friends
Although / Even though / Despite / In spite of の使い分け
Hapa 英会話
【英語】Although, Despite, In spite of の違いと使い方
Atsueigo
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