Writing sentences with the
words…
although and despite
What do these words mean?
Despite and although both show that
the next idea in the sentence doesn’t
fit with the first.
Let’s look at an example
The cicada
looks scary.
It is
harmless.These ideas
contradict each
other. They do not
go together.
We can combine these ideas.
Although the cicada looks
scary, it is harmless.
We can combine these ideas.
Although the cicada looks
scary, it is harmless.
Although is at the
beginning of the
sentence.
A comma follows
the clause
(subject + verb)
Let’s try another.
The baby
bird was
small.
It had a
very loud
voice.
Remember
to start the
sentence
with
although.
Where does
the comma
go?
Here it is!
Although the baby bird was small,
it had a very loud voice.
One more to try.
Poison ivy
looks like an
ordinary
plant.
It causes an
itchy rash.
One more to try.
Although poison ivy looks like a
regular plant, it causes an itchy
rash.
Let’s look at despite.
Despite is usually used with a single
word or phrase instead of a whole
clause (subject + verb).
Let’s look at despite.
There was a
flood.
The bridge
was not
damaged.
Here is an example.
Despite the flood, the bridge was
not damaged.
Try to combine these ideas.
There was a
drought.
The farmer had
a good onion
harvest.
Here it is!
Despite the drought, the farmer had
a good onion harvest.
Try this one.
The pool was
small.
The kids had
fun.
Here is one possibility…
Despite the pool’s small size, the
kids had fun.
Or…
Despite the small pool, the kids had
fun.
Try to combine these ideas.
Stinkbugs are
small.
They cause lots
of problems.
Use although
or despite.
One way:
Although stinkbugs are small, they
cause lots of problems.
Another way:
Despite their small size, stinkbugs
cause lots of problems.
Create your own sentence!
Use although
or despite.
Sharing sentences
-Does the sentence have a
comma?
-Is the word although or despite
used correctly?
What’s wrong?
Although the snow, we had a
picnic.
A clause (subject +
verb) needs to follow
the word although.
How could we fix this
sentence?
One fix
Although it snowed, we had a
picnic.
Another fix
Despite the snow, we had a
picnic.
Create your own sentence!
Use although
or despite.
-Does the
sentence
have a
comma?
-Is the word
although or
despite
used
correctly?
Sharing sentences
What have you learned?
What have you learned about using
the words although and despite?

Combining sentences with the words although and despite

Editor's Notes

  • #2 Emily Kissner 2014
  • #29 For classroom use only. All photos by Emily Kissner.