Usage of although, in spite of, despite

[Pauline2009]

Hi , Alan

Can these conjuntions and prepositions be used in the present tense ?

although, in spite of , despite

Best regards
Pauline

[Cerberus™]

Yes, they can be used with the present tense.

[Merar]

Here are some examples,

Although I try hard to study Japanese, I still can't get it

In spite of her disability, she is doing a great job

Despite the fact that I hate you, I can't seem to stay away from you

Hope that helps

Merar

[Detlef]

Dear Pauline,

1)Despite/ in spite of the fact that.

EX.: Despite the fact that the hospital burnt down to the ground a few years ago, no maternity records were lost in the fire.

Ex.: In spite of the fact that the hospital burnt down to the ground a few years ago, no maternity records were lost in the fire.

Yet, 'although' is neater here: 'Although the hospital burnt down to the ground...'

2) Despite of/ In spite of can also be used with a noun or a gerund.

EX.: Despite of/ in spite of the widespread epidemic, only 13 people lost their lives.
EX.: We always enjoy ourselves despite of/ in spite of having no money.

3) Although/ though/ even though.

EX.: I ate the fish, although I didn't want it.

EX.: Although I didn't want the fish, I ate it.

EX.: I didn't pass my French exam, though I had studied very hard for it. (though is less formal.)

EX.: My grandmother gets up at 6 every morning, even though she's 81. (= more emphatic).

-Mind you, in these cases the sub clause comes before or after the main clause.

4) !!!IMPORTANT!!! You can replace although/ though by 'but'

EX.: I ate the fish, but I didn't want it. Yet, it is impossible to say: 'But I didn't want it, I ate the fish.'

- Mind you in this case, the sub clause only comes after the main clause.

5) In spite of/ because of. (they're each other's opposites) Compare:

EX.: I passed my French exam in spite of my teacher. (He or she had a bad teacher, nevertheless he or she passed their French exam)

EX.: I passed my French exam because of my teacher. (He or she had a good teacher and so he or she passed their French exam)

Detlef.
_________________
The Importance Of Being Earnest - Oscar Wilde (1854-1900) I just love him!