Hi there. :) It's a really good question cos it was also one of mine! After "although" we use a subject+verb: 1.Although it rained a lot, we enjoyed our vacation. 2.I didn't get the job althoug I was extremely qualified. ----->Notice the comma when you use it at the beginning of the sentence. -------------------------------- After "in spite of" or "despite", we use a noun, pronoun (this/that/what,etc.), or -ing: 1.In spite of the rain, we enjoyed our vacation. 2.She felt sick, but in spite of this she went to work. 2.I didn't get the job despite the fact (that) I was extremely qualified. Note that we say "in spite of" but "despite" (without of). ------------------------------------------------------------------- Compare "although" and "despite/in spite of": 1. --Although the traffic was bad, I arrived on time. (not despite the traffic was bad) --Despite the traffic, I arrived on time. 2. --I couldn't sleep although I was very tired.( not despite I was tired) --I couldn't sleep despite being vry tired. I hope it's been useful. ;) Good luck

"Although" could be used on a simple sentences (Sub+Verb+Obj) "Despite" is a phase preposition, should use before a noun phase or Obj http://www.wretch.cc/blog/dante5323/10930180

After although we use a subject and a verb. *We enjoyed our camping holiday although it rained every day. *Although he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam. *The holiday was great although the hotel wasn’t very nice. We can use in spite of and despite with a subject and verb if we include the expression ‘the fact that’. *Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam. *In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.