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'.
"National parks will be opened to drilling, even though these parks serve as nature preserves."
"In spite of his business acumen, the restaurateur had to declare bankruptcy."
"In spite of the variety of packaged snacks available, the vegan traveler went hungry."
'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:
"We decided to go with white uniforms, although they are harder to clean."
Though
Example:
"Though the community centers were popular, they were defunded."
Even though
Example:
"National parks will be opened to drilling, even though these parks serve as nature preserves."
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, health spas continue to be profitable."
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 variety of packaged snacks available, the vegan traveler went hungry."
"In spite of their lack of training, the greeters did an excellent job."
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.