1. Examples
Subordinators even though =
although = in spite of the fact that
Preposition in spite of
Adverb even

2. Although = even though = in
spite of the fact that
These are subordinators, or adverbial
expressions. They are used to
combine two complete sentences.

3. Even though I’m sleepy, I came to
class this evening.
Although I’m sleepy, I came to class
this evening.
In spite of the fact that I’m sleepy, I
came to class this evening.

4. “in spite of” is a preposition
You must follow it with a noun or
noun phrase.

5. I came to class this evening in spite
of the bad weather.
I came to class this evening in spite
of my sleepiness.

6. You CAN’T say:
**I came to class today in spite of
I’m tired.
“I’m tired” is a sentence, not just
the object of a preposition.

7. You CAN say:
I came to class today in spite of the
fact that I’m tired.

8. The problem with “even” and
“even though.”
“Even though” is a subordinator.
“Even” is an adverb.
Their meanings are complete different.

9. “Even” is an adverb that’s used for
emphasis:
Last night was cold, but tonight will
be even colder.
I dated him in high school, but now I
can’t even remember his name.