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
although와 despite입니다. 이 두 표현은 모두 '비록 ~일지라도', '~에도 불구하고'라는 대조(Contrast)와 양보(Concession)의 의미를 담고 있습니다. 하지만 이 둘은 문장 내에서 수행하는 '직업'이 완전히 다릅니다.although는 접속사(Conjunction)이고, despite는 전치사(Preposition)입니다. 단순히 용어의 차이처럼 보일 수 있지만, 이 차이가 뒤에 오는 단어의 형태를 결정하고 문장 전체의 구조를 바꿉니다. 한국어에서는 «비가 왔지만»(연결 어미)이나 «비가 왔음에도 불구하고»(명사화 + 조사)처럼 어미 변화를 통해 비교적 자유롭게 문장을 이어가지만, 영어는 단어의 품사에 따라 뒤에 올 수 있는 성분이 딱 정해져 있습니다.although와 despite의 차이를 이해하는 핵심은 '뒤에 무엇이 오는가'를 파악하는 것입니다. 이를 한국어 문법 체계와 비교하여 이해하면 훨씬 쉽습니다.although와 even thoughalthough는 문장과 문장을 연결하는 다리 역할을 합니다. 문법적으로는 이를 '종속 접속사'라고 부르는데, 쉽게 말해 뒤에 [주어 + 동사]를 갖춘 완벽한 '절(Clause)'이 와야 한다는 뜻입니다.- 구조:
although/even though+ 주어(Subject) + 동사(Verb) - 한국어와의 비교: 한국어의 연결 어미 '-지만'이나 '-는데도'와 유사합니다. «날씨가 춥지만(주어+동사+어미)»과 같은 구조라고 생각하면 됩니다.
Althoughit (S) was (V) cold, we went for a walk. (날씨가 추웠음에도 불구하고, 우리는 산책을 나갔다.)Even thoughthe cafe (S) was (V) crowded, we found a seat. (카페에 사람이 많았지만, 우리는 자리를 잡았다.)
despite와 in spite ofdespite는 전치사입니다. 전치사는 in, on, at처럼 뒤에 반드시 명사(Noun)나 명사구(Noun Phrase), 혹은 동사를 명사로 만든 동명사(-ing)가 와야 합니다. 절대로 [주어 + 동사]가 바로 올 수 없습니다.- 구조:
despite/in spite of+ 명사 / 대명사 / 동명사(-ing) - 한국어와의 비교: 한국어의 체언 뒤에 붙는 조사나 '~에도 불구하고'라는 표현과 비슷합니다. «추위에도 불구하고(명사+조사)»와 같은 느낌입니다.
Despitethe cold weather, we went for a walk. (추운 날씨에도 불구하고, 우리는 산책을 나갔다.)In spite ofthe crowd, we found a seat. (인파에도 불구하고, 우리는 자리를 잡았다.)
despite the fact thatdespite 뒤에 꼭 문장(절)을 쓰고 싶을 때가 있습니다. 이때 영어는 the fact that이라는 '다리'를 놓아줍니다. 이렇게 하면 despite라는 전치사 뒤에 the fact라는 명사가 오게 되어 문법적으로 완벽해지며, 그 뒤에 that절을 통해 구체적인 내용을 덧붙일 수 있습니다.- 구조:
despite the fact that+ 주어 + 동사 - 예시:
Despite the fact thatit was raining, he went out without an umbrella. (비가 오고 있다는 사실에도 불구하고, 그는 우산 없이 나갔다.)
Although + S + V, 주절. | Although the delivery was late, the food was still hot. |Despite + 명사(구), 주절. | Despite the late delivery, the food was still hot. |Even though + S + V, 주절. | Even though I was exhausted, I finished the report. |In spite of + 명사(구), 주절. | In spite of my exhaustion, I finished the report. |although + S + V. | The food was still hot although the delivery was late. |despite + 명사(구). | The food was still hot despite the late delivery. |even though + S + V. | I finished the report even though I was exhausted. |although와 despite는 어떤 원인이 있었음에도 불구하고 그와 반대되는 결과가 나타났을 때 주로 사용합니다. 특히 even though는 although보다 훨씬 강한 뉘앙스를 풍깁니다. 한국어로 치면 «비가 오긴 했지만»과 «비가 그렇게 쏟아졌는데도 불구하고!»의 차이라고 볼 수 있습니다.Even thoughI studied all night, I failed the exam. (밤을 꼬박 새워 공부했는데도 시험에 떨어졌어. - 억울함이나 놀라움이 강조됨)
although로 길게 문장을 쓰는 것보다 despite와 명사구를 활용해 짧고 강렬하게 표현하는 것을 선호합니다.Although the market conditions were difficult...(접속사 활용)Despite the difficult market conditions...(전치사 활용 - 더 간결하고 전문적인 느낌)
Althoughyour point is valid, we need to consider the budget first. (당신의 의견이 타당하지만, 우리는 예산을 먼저 고려해야 합니다.)
Despite 뒤에 문장(S+V)을 쓰는 실수- 잘못된 예:
Despiteit was raining, we went out. (X) - 이유:
despite는 전치사이므로 뒤에 바로it was라는 주어+동사가 올 수 없습니다. - 올바른 예:
Althoughit was raining... (O) 또는Despitethe rain... (O)
Despite of라고 쓰는 실수in spite of와 혼동해서 생기는 실수입니다. despite는 단독으로 쓰이며 뒤에 of를 절대 붙이지 않습니다.- 잘못된 예:
Despite ofthe noise, I slept well. (X) - 올바른 예:
Despitethe noise... (O) 또는In spite ofthe noise... (O) - 기억법:
Despite는 한 단어,In spite of는 세 단어 세트라고 외우세요!
Although 뒤에 명사만 쓰는 실수although 뒤에 주어+동사 없이 명사만 덜렁 놓는 경우입니다.- 잘못된 예:
Althoughthe bad weather, we enjoyed the trip. (X) - 이유:
although는 접속사이므로 문장이 필요합니다. - 올바른 예:
Althoughthe weather was bad, we enjoyed the trip. (O)
although 그룹과 비슷해 보이지만 쓰임새가 다른 표현들을 표로 정리해 보았습니다.But | 등위 접속사 | 문장 중간에서 두 문장을 대등하게 연결합니다. 문장 맨 앞에는 잘 쓰지 않습니다. |However | 접속 부사 | 앞 문장과 별개로 새로운 문장을 시작할 때 씁니다. 뒤에 콤마(,)가 주로 붙습니다. |Even if | 접속사 | '비록 ~일지라도'라는 가정의 의미입니다. (아직 일어나지 않은 일에 사용) |Even though | 접속사 | '비록 ~임에도 불구하고'라는 사실의 의미입니다. (이미 일어난 실제 상황에 사용) |Even though vs Even if의 차이점 (중요!)Even thoughit is raining: 지금 실제로 비가 오고 있는 상황입니다.Even ifit rains: 내일 비가 올지 안 올지 모르지만, 만약 온다고 하더라도라는 가정입니다.
despite와 in spite of 중에 어떤 것이 더 정중한가요?despite가 한 단어로 더 간결하기 때문에 현대 비즈니스 영어와 뉴스 등에서 더 자주 쓰이는 경향이 있습니다. in spite of는 약간 더 전통적이고 격식 있는 느낌을 줄 수 있지만, 일상 대화에서도 혼용해서 사용해도 전혀 문제없습니다.although 대신 though를 써도 되나요?though는 although보다 약간 더 캐주얼한 느낌을 줍니다. 특히 문장 맨 끝에 though를 붙여서 «그렇긴 하지만 말이야»라는 뉘앙스로 쓰는 것은 원어민들이 일상 대화에서 정말 많이 사용하는 방식입니다. (예: It was expensive. I bought it, though.)despite the fact that은 너무 길지 않나요?although를 사용하는 것이 훨씬 경제적이고 자연스러운 문장을 만드는 방법입니다.despite 뒤에 -ing를 쓰는 건 언제인가요?despite 뒤에 생략된 주어가 같을 때 사용합니다. 예를 들어, Despite feeling sick, he went to work.라는 문장에서 아픈 사람도 '그'이고, 출근한 사람도 '그'이기 때문에 he felt sick 대신 feeling sick으로 줄여 쓸 수 있습니다. 이는 문장을 훨씬 매끄럽게 만들어 줍니다.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
| 종류 | 단어 | 뒤에 오는 형태 | 예시 |
|---|---|---|---|
|
접속사
|
`Although`
|
주어 + 동사
|
`Although` the team played well, they lost.
|
|
접속사
|
`Even though`
|
주어 + 동사
|
`Even though` the team played well, they lost.
|
|
전치사
|
`Despite`
|
명사 또는 동명사
|
`Despite` playing well, the team lost.
|
|
전치사
|
`In spite of`
|
명사 또는 동명사
|
`In spite of` their good performance, the team lost.
|
|
연결 구문
|
`Despite the fact that`
|
주어 + 동사
|
`Despite the fact that` they played well, they lost.
|
|
연결 구문
|
`In spite of the fact that`
|
주어 + 동사
|
`In spite of the fact that` they played well, they lost.
|
격식 수준 스펙트럼
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)
'대조' 표현 가족
절 (주어 + 동사)
- Although Although it rained...
- Even though Even though it rained...
명사 또는 동명사 (-ing)
- Despite Despite the rain...
- In spite of In spite of the rain...
Although vs. Despite 비교
어떤 단어를 선택할까?
빈칸 뒤에 오는 구문에 주어와 본동사가 있나요?
문장 구성 요소
절 ('Although'용)
- • the food was cold
- • he is my brother
- • the internet is slow
명사/동명사 ('Despite'용)
- • the cold food
- • being my brother
- • the slow internet
수준별 예문
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.
혼동하기 쉬운
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'.
자주 하는 실수
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.
문장 패턴
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.
다음에 동사가 있는지 확인해요
'Despite of'는 안 돼요!
'the fact that'을 활용해 보세요
Despite the fact that he was tired, he kept working.
격식의 차이도 있어요
Despite the challenges, the project was successful.
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.
발음
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.
암기하기
기억법
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).
시각적 연상
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
챌린지
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].'
문화 노트
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'.
대화 시작하기
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?
일기 주제
자주 하는 실수
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Score: /4
연습 문제
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.
Choose the correct sentence:
Choose the correct sentence:
Translate into English: 'The traffic was bad, but I arrived on time.'
Translate into English: 'I don't have much money, but I want to travel.'
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Arrange these words into a sentence:
Match the sentence halves:
Match the contrast word with its required structure:
Score: /13
자주 묻는 질문 (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
관련 동영상
Related Grammar Rules
방언 대 언어: 차이점은 무엇인가요?
### Overview 우리가 영어를 배울 때 흔히 마주치는 질문 중 하나가 바로 "이건 사투리인가요, 아니면 다른 언어인가요?"라는...
Nowadays vs. Now-a-days: 차이점은 무엇인가요?
### Overview 언어는 살아있는 생명체와 같아서 시간이 흐르면서 그 형태와 쓰임새가 끊임없이 변하곤 합니다. 오늘 우리가 함...
Let them vs. Let they: 차이점이 무엇인가요?
### Overview 영어 학습을 하다 보면 `let them`과 `let they` 중 어떤 것이 맞는지 헷갈릴 때가 있습니다. 결론부터 말씀드리...
Quite vs. Quiet: 차이점이 무엇인가요?
### Overview 영어 학습의 여정에서 우리 한국인 학습자들을 가장 당혹스럽게 만드는 것 중 하나는 바로 '비슷하게 생겼지만 완...
Said vs. Told: 차이점이 무엇인가요?
### Overview 영어를 배우는 한국인 학습자들에게 `say`와 `tell`은 마치 '숙명적인 라이벌'과 같습니다. 우리말로는 둘 다 단...
