Although vs Despite vs However Exercises
B2 Level
English Exercises is teacher-led by Charlie. About the teacher · How content is made
Practise choosing although, despite or however to express contrast accurately.
Review the grammar firstAll 20 questions
Choose the correct connector based on the structure that follows. ALTHOUGH + clause (subject + verb). DESPITE + noun/gerund (NO 'of'!). HOWEVER + new sentence (with semicolon or period). This exercise teaches you the fundamental grammar difference between these three.
_____ the bad weather, we went hiking.
_____ it was raining, we went for a walk.
The exam was difficult. _____, most students passed.
_____ her illness, she came to work.
_____ he studied very little, he passed the exam.
I wanted to go to the party; _____, I was too tired.
_____ being very expensive, the phone was worth the money.
_____ the doctor said I needed rest, I went back to work.
The plan seemed risky. _____, we decided to try it.
_____ all the problems, they finished the project on time.
_____, she continued working. (Transform 'Although she was tired' using 'despite')
_____ (Transform 'Although it was cold, we went swimming' using 'however' - make two sentences)
_____, the match continued. (Transform 'Despite the rain' using 'although')
_____ (Combine: 'The food was cold. However, it tasted good.' using 'although')
_____ (Transform 'Despite being nervous, he gave a great presentation' using 'however' - make two sentences)
_____, we found another one. (Fix: 'Despite the shop was closed' - 'despite' + clause is wrong!)
_____, we enjoyed the trip. (Fix: 'Although the bad weather' - 'although' + noun is wrong!)
COMPLEX: _____ the project was challenging and required long hours, the team remained motivated; _____, they completed it ahead of schedule.
COMPLEX: _____ working overtime every day, they missed the deadline. The client was understanding, _____.
_____ (Transform first part: 'Although the car was old, it still ran well. However, we decided to buy a new one.' - Use 'despite' in first sentence)
Grammar review
Choosing the right one depends on the grammar of your sentence, not the meaning — all three say the same thing. The most common mistakes are: putting a clause after "despite" ("Despite she was tired" is wrong) and using "however" as a conjunction like "but" ("She was tired, however she kept working" needs a full stop or semicolon before "however"). Knowing these three categories — conjunction (although), preposition (despite), and sentence connector (however) — is essential for B2 level English. Cambridge First examiners specifically look for correct usage of all three types in writing tasks.
Quick Rule
although + clause | despite + noun / -ing | However, + new sentence
- 1.Although the film was long, I enjoyed every minute of it. (conjunction + clause)
- 2.Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived before the meeting started. (preposition + noun)
- 3.She studied hard. However, she didn't pass the final exam. (sentence connector)
- 4.I accepted the offer despite not being completely happy with the salary. (preposition + negative gerund)
- 5.Although nobody agreed with him, he refused to change his mind. (conjunction + negative clause)
Next Step: Error Correction
Finished choosing the right connector? Switch to sentence proofreading and fix mistakes with although, despite and however in complete sentences.
Continue Practising
Continue practising with these related exercises
Contrast Part 1
EasyPractise but, however, although, and despite for contrast
20 questions
Cause & Effect Part 1
EasyUse because, so, therefore, and as a result
20 questions
Addition
EasyConnect ideas with also, moreover, furthermore, and in addition
20 questions
-ed vs -ing Adjectives
EasyPractise bored/boring, interested/interesting, and other feeling adjective pairs
60 questions
Conditionals
MediumMaster all types of conditional sentences (zero to third)
330 questions
Present Perfect
MediumLearn to talk about experiences and unfinished time
240 questions