Although, despite, however (B2) — English exercises with answers

Contrast linkers although, even though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless and whereas, and the grammar that follows each

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
it was raining, we went for a walk.
AlthoughDespiteHoweverIn spite ofAlthough is followed by a clause (subject + verb). Despite and in spite of need a noun or -ing form.
2
Multiple choice
the rain, we went for a walk.
DespiteAlthoughHoweverEven thoughDespite + noun: despite the rain. Although and even though need a clause.
3
Multiple choice
The flat is small and noisy. , it's in a great location.
HoweverAlthoughDespiteWhereasHowever links two separate sentences and is followed by a comma. Although, despite and whereas join parts of one sentence.
4
Multiple choice
My sister loves big cities, I prefer the countryside.
whereasdespitehoweverin spite ofWhereas compares two different facts inside one sentence. However should start a new sentence.
5
Fill the gap
In spite feeling ill, she went to work.
Answer: ofThe full phrase is in spite of: in spite of feeling ill. Despite has no of.
6
Fill the gap
She got the job despite (not / have) much experience.
Answer: not havingDespite + -ing form; the negative is not + -ing: despite not having.
7
Fill the gap
he trained hard, he didn't win the race.
Answer: AlthoughAlso accepted: Even though, ThoughAlthough, even though or though + clause. Even though makes the contrast stronger.
8
Fill the gap
Despite the fact the tickets were expensive, the concert sold out in an hour.
Answer: thatTo use despite with a clause, add the fact that: despite the fact that the tickets were expensive.
9
Fill the gap
The plan was risky. , the board decided to go ahead.
Answer: HoweverAlso accepted: Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Even soHowever, nevertheless, nonetheless and even so start a new sentence and introduce a contrast.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Despite it was cold, we swam in the sea.'
Answer: FalseDespite can't be followed by a clause. Say 'Although it was cold…' or 'Despite the cold…'.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Even though she had studied all night, she failed the exam.'
Answer: TrueEven though + clause correctly introduces a surprising contrast.
12
Discussion question
Describe a decision you made even though other people disagreed with it. Use at least three different contrast linkers.
Sample answer: Although my parents wanted me to study law, I chose design. Despite their worries, I've never regretted it. The pay isn't great at first. However, I love what I do, whereas most of my friends who studied law are bored.

Contrast linkers although, even though, despite, in spite of, however, nevertheless and whereas, and the grammar that follows each

Correct answers are marked. Add the set to your exercises to open it in the editor, where you can adjust tasks, play them on screen or add them to a lesson.

1
Multiple choice
it was raining, we went for a walk.
AlthoughDespiteHoweverIn spite ofAlthough is followed by a clause (subject + verb). Despite and in spite of need a noun or -ing form.
2
Multiple choice
the rain, we went for a walk.
DespiteAlthoughHoweverEven thoughDespite + noun: despite the rain. Although and even though need a clause.
3
Multiple choice
The flat is small and noisy. , it's in a great location.
HoweverAlthoughDespiteWhereasHowever links two separate sentences and is followed by a comma. Although, despite and whereas join parts of one sentence.
4
Multiple choice
My sister loves big cities, I prefer the countryside.
whereasdespitehoweverin spite ofWhereas compares two different facts inside one sentence. However should start a new sentence.
5
Fill the gap
In spite feeling ill, she went to work.
Answer: ofThe full phrase is in spite of: in spite of feeling ill. Despite has no of.
6
Fill the gap
She got the job despite (not / have) much experience.
Answer: not havingDespite + -ing form; the negative is not + -ing: despite not having.
7
Fill the gap
he trained hard, he didn't win the race.
Answer: AlthoughAlso accepted: Even though, ThoughAlthough, even though or though + clause. Even though makes the contrast stronger.
8
Fill the gap
Despite the fact the tickets were expensive, the concert sold out in an hour.
Answer: thatTo use despite with a clause, add the fact that: despite the fact that the tickets were expensive.
9
Fill the gap
The plan was risky. , the board decided to go ahead.
Answer: HoweverAlso accepted: Nevertheless, Nonetheless, Even soHowever, nevertheless, nonetheless and even so start a new sentence and introduce a contrast.
10
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Despite it was cold, we swam in the sea.'
Answer: FalseDespite can't be followed by a clause. Say 'Although it was cold…' or 'Despite the cold…'.
11
True / false
This sentence is correct: 'Even though she had studied all night, she failed the exam.'
Answer: TrueEven though + clause correctly introduces a surprising contrast.
12
Discussion question
Describe a decision you made even though other people disagreed with it. Use at least three different contrast linkers.
Sample answer: Although my parents wanted me to study law, I chose design. Despite their worries, I've never regretted it. The pay isn't great at first. However, I love what I do, whereas most of my friends who studied law are bored.