I'd be pleased if you could answered a doubt i have

[Peeeedro]

Scuse me, but i need to know the difference between 'Despite', 'in spite of', 'although' and 'even though'.
Thanks you very much for your time! (:
Pedro

[5jj]

The idea of the contrast becomes stronger as you move down this list of sentences.

I was ill, but I went in to work.
Although I was ill, I went into work.
I was ill. I went into work, though.
I was ill; however, I went into work
Even though I was ill, I went into work.
In spite of/Despite my illness, I went into work
In spite of/Despite the fact that I was ill, I went into work

[shannico]

"Although" and "even though" are conjunctions (connectors) and are used two link a main clause to a subordinate close

At the party John and Sheila were still speaking (main clause) although they had fallen out (subordinate clause)
At the party John and Sheila were still speaking (main clause) even though they had fallen out (subordinate clause).

"Despite" "In spite of " are prepositions as a result they must be followed by a nominal phrase (noun, pronoun or adjective + noun)

John and Sheila were still speaking despite yesterday's argument.
In spite of their argument John and Sheila were still speaking.

I hope it's clear enough.