TOEIC Grammar Trap · Part 5

TOEIC Trap: Despite vs Although

Despite and although both show contrast. TOEIC tests what comes after the contrast signal.

This page focuses on contrast structure. If you confuse reason and contrast, read Because vs Although. If you need reason connectors, use Because vs Because Of and Because / Because Of / Due To.

We finished the project although the deadline was tight.

We finished the project despite the tight deadline.

Core TOEIC rule: Although is followed by a contrast sentence. Despite is followed by a contrast thing or -ing action.

The 7-second choice

Do not start by translating. Look after the blank.

Although + sentencealthough the report was late
Despite + thingdespite the delay
Despite + -ingdespite arriving late

Although: contrast sentence

Use although when the contrast has its own small sentence after it.

Although the weather was poor, the event continued.

The team finished the report although several members were absent.

Although the price was high, many customers placed orders.

Fast check: if you can see a person, thing, or situation doing something after the blank, although is often the direction.

Despite: contrast thing or -ing action

Use despite before a contrast thing, situation, or -ing action.

Despite the poor weather, the event continued.

The team finished the report despite several absences.

Despite being expensive, the product sold well.

Fast check: if the words after the blank are not a full sentence, check despite.

The common TOEIC trap

TOEIC often gives you two contrast words. Both feel logical, but only one fits the shape after the blank.

Correct: Although the shipment was delayed, the client was satisfied.

Correct: Despite the shipment delay, the client was satisfied.

Trap: Despite the shipment was delayed, the client was satisfied.

Small words around the blank matter

Look for a full sentence after the blank, or for a compact thing such as the delay, the problem, heavy traffic, or an -ing action.

the deadline was tightcontrast sentence
the tight deadlinecontrast thing
being short-staffed-ing action
sales declinedcontrast sentence
declining salescontrast thing
working overtime-ing action

Quick TOEIC check

1. ___ the office was closed, several employees worked from home.

2. ___ the office closure, several employees worked from home.

3. The product sold well ___ its high price.

4. The product sold well ___ the price was high.

Fast-reader mistake

Fast readers often see contrast and stop checking. But TOEIC is not only asking, “Is this contrast?” It is asking, “What shape comes after the contrast word?”

Bad shortcut: “This means contrast, so either word is fine.”

Better shortcut: “After the blank, do I see a sentence, a thing, or -ing?”

One-second tool

Use this shortcut:

although + contrast sentence.

despite + contrast thing.

despite + -ing action.

Final takeaway

TOEIC contrast questions are structure questions. The meaning is similar, but the shape after the blank decides the answer.

Look after the blank, name the contrast type, and move on.

🔍 SEO FAQ (English) — Despite vs Although What is the difference between “despite” and “although”? “Despite” is followed by a noun or -ing form. “Although” is followed by a full sentence. Can I use “despite” before a sentence? No. “Despite” cannot be followed by a full sentence. Use “although” in that case. Is “although she was tired” correct? Yes. That’s a full sentence after “although,” so it’s correct. Is “despite she was tired” correct? No. That’s a structure mistake. Say “despite being tired” or “despite her fatigue.” Can “although” start a sentence? Yes. For example: “Although it rained, we went outside.” Can “despite” start a sentence? Yes. For example: “Despite the rain, we went outside.” Is “despite of” correct? No. Never say “despite of.” Just “despite.” What does TOEIC test with “although” and “despite”? TOEIC tests whether you can match the correct structure — not just the meaning. Can “despite” be followed by “being” or “having”? Yes. For example: “Despite being sick…” or “Despite having little time…” Can I say “despite she worked hard”? No. That’s incorrect. It should be “although she worked hard” or “despite working hard.” Is “although” followed by a subject and verb? Yes. “Although” always needs a full sentence after it. Is “despite the fact that” correct? Yes, but TOEIC may test whether you recognize it’s followed by a sentence. Can I use “although” before a noun? No. “Although” needs a full sentence, not just a noun. Can “despite” be used before a gerund? Yes. Gerunds (-ing forms) work fine after “despite.” Example: “Despite feeling tired…” Which is more formal: “although” or “despite”? Both are neutral and fine for TOEIC. The key difference is structure, not tone. How do I know if I should use “despite” or “although”? Check what follows. If it’s a sentence, use “although.” If it’s a noun or -ing word, use “despite.” Why did TOEIC mark “despite he was late” wrong? Because it’s a sentence after “despite,” which is incorrect. It should be “although he was late.” What is the TOEIC trick with “although” and “despite”? They both show contrast, but one needs a sentence and one needs a noun. That’s the trap. Can “despite” be used in speaking or just writing? It’s common in both. You’ll hear and see it in natural English. Is “although” okay in formal writing? Yes. “Although” is perfectly acceptable in both casual and formal English.