English grammar
Despite + noun or -ing (vs even though + subject + verb)
Say that something happens despite a problem.
From the scene Despite everything
In short
Despite takes a noun or -ing, never a subject + verb. Before a subject + verb, use even though.
Your turn
Which one goes with despite + noun?
Options: despite your age / despite the noise · despite loving each other a lot · despite everything, I love you just the same
Show answer
despite + noun → despite your age / despite the noise
How it works
Despite (or in spite of) is followed by a noun or an -ing form, never a subject + verb.
Your turn
Pick the word that fits the line.
You're right. And you, (blank) your age, have very good hearing!
Clue: followed by a noun
Options: although · despite · even though
Show answer
You're right. And you, despite your age, have very good hearing!
Tiene razón. Y usted, a pesar de su edad, ¡tiene muy buen oído!
Good to know
Despite loving each other, despite your age, despite the noise. Before a subject + verb, use even though, which you already know: even though we argue.
despite + -ing despite loving each other a lot
Nuria
Despite loving each other a lot, this week we've argued three times.
A pesar de querernos mucho, esta semana hemos discutido tres veces.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank), this week we've argued three times.
Options: I love you just the same · Despite loving each other a lot · Despite the noise
Show answer
Nuria
Despite loving each other a lot, this week we've argued three times.
A pesar de querernos mucho, esta semana hemos discutido tres veces.
despite + noun despite your age / despite the noise
Elena
Well... despite the noise... if you argue, leave the door open!
Bueno... a pesar del ruido... si discutís, ¡dejad la puerta abierta!
Your turn
What fills the gap?
Well... (blank)... if you argue, leave the door open!
Options: despite loving each other a lot · despite everything · despite the noise
Show answer
Elena
Well... despite the noise... if you argue, leave the door open!
Bueno... a pesar del ruido... si discutís, ¡dejad la puerta abierta!
despite everything despite everything, I love you just the same
subject + verb → even though even though we argue, we make up quickly
Javi
Even though we argue, we make up quickly.
A pesar de que discutimos, nos reconciliamos rápido.
Your turn
What fills the gap?
(blank).
Options: Despite the noise · Even though we argue, we make up quickly · Despite loving each other a lot
Show answer
Javi
Even though we argue, we make up quickly.
A pesar de que discutimos, nos reconciliamos rápido.
Common mistake
Not Despite we love or Although loving here. Followed by an -ing form.
Despite loving each other a lot, this week we've argued three times.
A pesar de querernos mucho, esta semana hemos discutido tres veces.
Practise it in the story
Meet this rule inside a short animated scene. Answer as it plays, then say the lines yourself.
Practise free in the appSee all forms
| despite + -ing | despite loving each other a lot |
|---|---|
| despite + noun | despite your age / despite the noise |
| despite everything | despite everything, I love you just the same |
| subject + verb → even though | even though we argue, we make up quickly |
More lines from the story
- NuriaYou're right. And you, despite your age, have very good hearing!Tiene razón. Y usted, a pesar de su edad, ¡tiene muy buen oído!
- ElenaGood ears and patience, darling. But I need eight hours' sleep.Oído y paciencia, cariño. Pero necesito dormir ocho horas.
- JaviWe're very sorry, Doña Elena. We'll argue more quietly.Lo sentimos mucho, Doña Elena. Vamos a discutir más bajito.