ESL Writing

Sentence Patterns:
Despite [noun/phrase], [sentence]
Although [sentence], [sentence]

After “despite” you should only write a noun or a phrase, but after “although” you can write a complete sentence.

Example 1:

Despite her bad grades, Julie got into a good school.
(“her bad grades” is a phrase, not a sentence)
Although she got bad grades, Julie got into a good school.
(“she got bad grades” is a complete sentence)

Example 2:

Despite the heat, Rick has not bought an air conditioner.
(“the heat” is a phrase, not a sentence)
Although it is very hot, Rick has not bought an air conditioner.
(“it is very hot” is a complete sentence)

Example 3:

Despite eating a lot of food, Lillian is still hungry.
(“eating a lot of food” is a phrase, not a sentence)
Although she ate a lot of food, Lillian is still hungry.
(“she ate a lot of food” is a complete sentence)

Remember: You can use “in spite of” instead of “despite”.
You can use “even though” or “though” instead of “although”