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'.
"In spite of misgivings, he opted for a firewire connection."
"Though the peripheral was infected with a virus, our scanning software protected our hard drive."
"Despite pinging iTunes several times, the file was not updated."
'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 ahead with the project, although Zune is a marginal feed reader."
Though
Example:
"Though his options were limited, he did feel good about going with a fiber optic connection to the internet."
Even though
Example:
"I managed to get the information from the operator, even though the company had security measures in place to prevent phishing,"
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 her spam filter, the Viagra ad still arrived in her email box."
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 his high definition screen, the picture's dimension were 514 by 400 pixels with only 72 DPI."
"In spite of initial difficulties, the firmware proved to be adequate for the job."
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.