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'.
"Through his knowledge of product, he closed the sale."
"Though the community centers were popular, they were defunded."
"National parks will be opened to drilling, even though these parks serve as nature preserves."
'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 with white uniforms, although they are harder to clean."
Though
Example:
"Through his knowledge of product, he closed the sale."
Even though
Example:
"She did her husband's laundry, even though he could have done it himself."
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 economically difficult times, health spas continue to be profitable."
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 the variety of packaged snacks available, the vegan traveler went hungry."
"In spite of the promises made in the brochure, the vacuum seal did not stop our breads from going stale."
'Despite' and 'in spite of' convey the same unexpected result and can be used interchangeably.