Unexpected Results
Adverb Clauses with Unexpected Outcomes
Adverb Clauses Showing Opposition (Unexpected Result)
When the result of the main clause is contrary to expectations, use adverb clauses with 'although', 'even though', 'despite' or 'in spite of'.
Even though I deferred payments, the interest still continued to pile up.
The customer decided to protest a bill although she couldn't find her receipt.
In spite of the government bond, we still don't have enough money to get started.
'Although', 'even though', and 'though' all introduce a full clause that includes both subject and verb. The three expressions can be used interchangeably.
Although
Example:
I decided to open a savings bank account although I wanted to open a fixed bank account.
Though
Example:
Though they spoke until the last minutes of the meeting, I don't feel like much was accomplished.
Even though
Example:
Even though I deferred payments, the interest still continued to pile up.
Prepositions
Despite
'Despite' and 'in spite of' are followed by a noun or noun phrase and are followed by a comma when introducing the sentence. If 'despite' or 'in spite of' are used in the middle of a sentence, no commas are required. Use 'despite' or 'in spite of' when the result of the main clause is contrary to expectations,
Example:
Despite economically difficult times the company continued to receive deferred revenue.
In spite of
'In spite of' is followed by a noun (phrase) and is followed by a comma when introducing the sentence. If 'in spite of' is used in the middle of a sentence, no comma is required.
Example:
The daughter was ruled to be the beneficiary of the estate, in spite of the court challenge.
In spite of the complexity, the as per invoice costs were offered as clearly as possible to the client.
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.