although
despite
Principally I hate and detest that animal called man; although I heartily love John, Peter, Thomas, and so forth.
Principalmente odio e detesto quell’animale chiamato uomo, sebbene io ami di cuore John, Peter, Thomas e così via.
- Johnathan Swift
Principalmente odio e detesto quell’animale chiamato uomo, sebbene io ami di cuore John, Peter, Thomas e così via.
- Johnathan Swift
✓ Although I was very young, I still remember it.
✗ *Despite* I was very young, I still remember it.
Sebbene fossi molto giovane, me lo ricordo ancora.
After the conjunction although (= sebbene) we use a subject and a verb.
After the preposition despite (= nonostante) we use a noun or a gerund.
Here are some more examples, showing how the two words have the same meaning but need a different construction:
✓ Although I studied hard, I didn’t pass the exam. (although + subject + verb)
✗ *Although* studying hard, I didn’t pass the exam.
Sebbene io abbia studiato molto, non ho passato l’esame.
✓ Despite hours and hours of study, I didn’t pass the exam. (despite + noun phrase)
Nonostante ore e ore di studio, non ho passato l’esame.
✓ Despite studying hard, I didn’t pass the exam. (despite + gerund)
Nonostante aver studiato molto, non ho passato l’esame.
✗ *Despite* I studied really hard, I failed the exam.
✓ Although we argue occasionally, we’re good friends.
Anche se litighiamo ogni tanto, siamo buoni amici.
✓ Despite the occasional argument, we’re good friends.
Nonostante un litigio ogni tanto, siamo buoni amici.
Now try the quiz below! There are TEN answers. The passmark is 90% (9 out of 10). Click on the blue arrows to go to the next or previous question. You can check your answers immediately or when you've finished the quiz.