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'.
The double entry items remained on the report even though the bank officer disagreed with its relevance.
Finding a date of issue for this receipt, though time-consuming, would save the company hundreds.
Though the report's date of issue was last year, the information is still relevant to our company.
'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 the report's date of issue was last year, the information is still relevant to our company.
Even though
Example:
Even though her stock broker warned her that it was a bad deal, she still bought United Airline stock.
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 the floating-rate loan, the house was not foreclosed upon.
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:
In spite of the complexity, the as per invoice costs were offered as clearly as possible to the client.
The daughter was ruled to be the beneficiary of the estate, in spite of the court challenge.
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.