The expressions though, although, even though and even if are conjunctions. They are followed by clauses. Despite and in spite of are prepositions followed by nouns or gerunds. While these expressions have very similar meanings, they are used in different structures. Test your understanding of these conjunctions and prepositions with this grammar exercise.
Fill in the blanks.
1. I enjoyed the party ................................. having a headache.
Please select 2 correct answers
Both despite and in spite of are possible here. They are both prepositions and can be followed by a noun or an -ing form. Though and although are conjunctions and should be followed by clauses.
2. .......................... he was there, he did not acknowledge my presence.
Though and although are conjunctions and should be followed by clauses. In spite of and despite are prepositions.
3. ......................... she was angry, she said nothing.
Though and although are conjunctions and need to be followed by clauses.
4. She passed her exam ............................ having a bad teacher.
Despite is a preposition and can be followed by a noun or -ing form. In spite is not a preposition. The correct expression is in spite of.
5. ......................... the train was late, I managed to arrive on time.
Even though refers to the past; even if refers to the future.
6. I will do it ........................... it kills me.
Even if refers to the future. Even though refers to the past.
7. ............................. his disability, he works very hard.
The expressions though, although, even though and even if are all conjunctions and should be followed by a clause. In spite of is a preposition. It is followed by a noun or ing form.
8. .................................... I didn't understand a word, I kept smiling.
Though and even though have similar meanings. Even though is more emphatic.
9. The strongest argument, ............................., is political not economic.
Though can be used as an adverb and it means 'however'. Even though and although cannot be used with this meaning.
10. ............................ I don't agree with his views, I think he is honest.
Though, although and even though have the same meaning. Even though is more emphatic than though or although.
11. .............................. she worked very hard, she didn't get the promotion.
Despite is a preposition and cannot be followed by a clause. Even if refers to the future.
12. ............................... of performing well in the interview, she didn't get the job.
Even if and even though are conjunctions followed by clauses.
Answers
1. I enjoyed the party in spite of having a headache.
2. Though/although he was there, he did not acknowledge my presence.
3. Though / although she was angry, she said nothing.
4. She passed her exam despite having a bad teacher.
5. Even though the train was late, I managed to arrive on time.
6. I will do it even if it kills me.
7. In spite of his disability, he works very hard.
8. Though / even though I didn’t understand a word, I kept smiling.
9. The strongest argument, though, is political not economic.
10. Though / although / even though I don’t agree with his views, I think he is honest.
11. Though she worked very hard, she didn’t get the promotion.
12. In spite of performing well in the interview, she didn’t get the job.
