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 loan officer chose to endorse the new policies even though she knew it would cost the bank some customers.
In spite of the government bond, we still don't have enough money to get started.
Despite economically difficult times the company continued to receive deferred revenue.
'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:
Although the overhead costs are high, we expect to see a profit quickly.
Though
Example:
Though the report's date of issue was last year, the information is still relevant to our company.
Even though
Example:
The loan officer chose to endorse the new policies even though she knew it would cost the bank some customers.
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 additional collateral the company continued to lose market share to its competitors.
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 government bond, we still don't have enough money to get started.
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.
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