Learn to use the conjunctions DESPITE, IN SPITE OF and ALTHOUGH

Despite, in spite of, because mind map

In this post I would like to teach you how to use the words DESPITE, IN SPITE OF, ALTHOUGH, EVEN THOUGH, BECAUSE OF and BECAUSE correctly. I will explain the meaning of the words and the grammar. To help you with this there are two games, a mind map, a video explanation and a graphical explanation. I hope you will learn to use these conjunctions.

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Conjunctions – meaning

The meaning of the conjunctions DESPITE and IN SPITE OF is the same. ALTHOUGH and EVEN THOUGH are the same as well. And so are the meanings of the words BECAUSE and BECAUSE OF. As you will see later the main difference between these words is their grammar.
The meaning of these conjunctions is clearly explained in the following graphics:
The meaning of the conjuctions

If you want to print out the graphic, you can download the pdf file below:

The meaning

Conjunctions – the usage

As I write above, the main difference between the phrases is their usage. To cut the explanation short, the words DESPITE, IN SPITE OF and BECAUSE OF are followed by a noun phrase or a gerund (verb + ing). The conjunctions BECAUSE, EVEN THOUGH and ALTHOUGH are followed by a clause.
You can see the explanation again in the following mind map:

Despite, in spite of, because mind map

To make it absolutely clear, here is an interactive video explaining the usage of the words BECAUSE and BECAUSE OF.

This video uses the free recording offered by BBC learning English at http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/radio/specials/165_gramchallenge10/
To experience the video full screen click on the following button (as it is HTML5 video it will work on your mobile too):
BECAUSE – video explanation

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Conjunctions – quizzes and games

The first game is slightly easier but it can be played only on your desktop. It is called Hoopshoot and your task is to choose the correct conjunction. If you succeed you will be given a chance to score a basket.

The second quiz is fully in HTML5 so it will play on any mobile device you own. Your task is to connect both of the sentences into one and use the conjunction in the brackets. If you pass the test you will play the game called Math Pop and practise your Maths too.

Conjunctions – quiz and Math pop game
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20 Comments

  1. useful information
    05/08/2014 at 8:01 am
  2. Mohammad Hamed
    thanx for that :)
    05/08/2014 at 9:20 am
  3. Zdenda
    You are welcome. I am happy when I can help anyone.
    05/08/2014 at 10:08 am
  4. saadia
    It is very interesting to learn in that way
    05/08/2014 at 10:54 am
  5. Jane
    Thank you for this - I have spent far too many lessons floundering around this subject and now it is clear as a bell!
    05/08/2014 at 11:32 am
  6. Joel Musendami
    Quite educating, teach us also on figurative expressions and their meaning. I am not good in these
    05/08/2014 at 12:47 pm
  7. Zdenda
    I will have a look at this topic too, but no promises.
    05/08/2014 at 12:51 pm
  8. Zdenda
    Well, it is very nice of you to write this. But I am sure that someone could do a better job
    05/08/2014 at 12:53 pm
  9. I t is fantastic to get an idea of conjunctions mentioned in this post being divided into logical and surprising results according to their meanings. Thank you very much for giving free such valuable information, I personally looking forward to get more and more
    05/08/2014 at 4:41 pm
  10. tahmina kausar
    hellooooooooo zdenda i want to improve writing skills and speaking plzzzzzzzzzzz help me. how we improve these skills
    05/08/2014 at 7:42 pm
  11. reem
    Thanks I really want to know if you are teaching an adult how to speak English language which skill is better to start with
    05/08/2014 at 8:06 pm
  12. Extraordinary
    06/08/2014 at 2:26 am
  13. Zdenda
    Start with vocabulary. It is the most important part of a language.
    06/08/2014 at 2:42 am
  14. Zdenda
    Only by doing them. Write a lot and speak to the native speakers.
    06/08/2014 at 2:43 am
  15. The
    interesting game. :))
    06/08/2014 at 8:01 am
  16. Iso
    Very well explained...thanx a lot and keep supporting education...
    06/08/2014 at 4:55 pm
  17. Mohammed al saedi
    Thanks alot for thes and we need more
    06/08/2014 at 6:10 pm
  18. Robi
    TKS for that. where can i get printable exercises?
    09/08/2014 at 10:44 am
  19. Zdenda
    I am afraid there are only interactive exercises. You can find some printables in the latest post on Means of transport
    09/08/2014 at 5:36 pm
  20. jose luis
    Thanks teacher !!!
    11/08/2014 at 3:10 am

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