In spite of, despite, although and even though

In a sentence in spite of and despite . . .

 are placed in front of a noun or pronoun.

are placed in front of a subject and a verb

are placed in front of a preposition and noun

In a sentence although and even though . . .

is often used by ESL students to emphasize emotions.

is often used to express disdain in matters of the heart.

is often used by native speakers and means despite the fact that.

We had a great time at the party . . . the lights going out.

. . . the bad weather they still went fishing.

The patient died . . . the surgeon doing his best in the operating room.

. . . he studied hard for the final exams, he failed.

We had a great time at the concert . . . it rained hard.