Grammar · Clauses, Connectors & Sentence Style
Contrast Connectors (However, Despite, Even Though)
Three ways to put two opposite ideas together, and what comes after each one. Learn them with the film Supergirl.
Grammar › Clauses, Connectors & Sentence Style › Contrast Connectors (However, Despite, Even Though)
The rule in one sentencePut a noun or an -ing form after despite, a full sentence after even though, and use however to start a new sentence.
About the film
Supergirl is a 2026 superhero film about Kara Zor-El, the cousin of Superman. Despite her amazing powers, Kara is not a sunny hero like him. Even though she wants to be alone, she takes a young girl called Ruthye with her on a dangerous trip across space. However, the two of them have very different reasons for the journey.
What does it do?
All three connectors show a surprise or a contrast. The second idea is not what you expect after the first one. The meaning is almost the same, but the words that come next are different.
After despite (or in spite of), put a noun or an -ing word. After even though (or although), put a full sentence with a subject and a verb. However is different again: it starts a new sentence, and it has a comma after it.
Look at the first two tiles. They mean the same thing. “Her powers” is a noun, so it follows despite. “She has powers” is a full sentence, so it follows even though.
Despite the danger, Kara follows the villain. Even though it is dangerous, Kara follows the villain.
Same meaning, two patterns. “The danger” is a noun. “It is dangerous” has a subject and a verb.
Visual guide
Teacher Teddy’s illustrated guide to this rule is being drawn — the full swipe-through infographic will appear here soon.
How to make it
despite — + noun or -ing
Despite the long trip, Ruthye keeps going.
Kara doesn’t stop despite feeling tired.
It can go in the middle too. Then you don’t need a comma.Why does Kara help despite wanting to be alone?
After “despite”, the verb takes -ing.even though — + full sentence
Even though Kara is strong, she can’t fix everything.
Even though Kara doesn’t want company, she takes Ruthye with her.
The negative goes inside the “even though” part.Why is Kara sad even though it’s her birthday?
It can go in the middle of a question too.When to use each one
despite — short and neat
even though — a full idea
Words that help: what comes next?
Look at the words right after the connector.
despite → a noun or an -ing word
even though → subject + verb
Common mistakes
❌ Despite of her powers, Kara feels alone.
✅ Despite her powers, Kara feels alone.
“Despite” never takes “of”. Say “despite” or “in spite of”.
❌ Despite she is young, Ruthye is brave.
✅ Even though she is young, Ruthye is brave.
“She is young” is a full sentence, so use “even though”. Or say “despite being young”.
❌ Even though the danger, Kara goes on.
✅ Despite the danger, Kara goes on.
“The danger” is only a noun. A noun needs “despite”.
❌ Kara is strong, however she feels lost.
✅ Kara is strong. However, she feels lost.
“However” can’t join two sentences with a comma. Use a full stop before it.
One more thing
This part is a little harder. You can come back to it later.
“Despite the fact that” + a full sentence. If you really want to use despite before a subject and a verb, add the fact that. It sounds more formal, and it means the same as even though.
✅ Despite the fact that Kara is Superman’s cousin, she lives a very different life.
✅ Even though Kara is Superman’s cousin, she lives a very different life.
Practice: however, despite or even though?
Eight questions. Choose one answer. You get the answer, and why.
1. ___ her powers, Kara often feels alone.
“Her powers” is a noun → despite.
2. ___ Ruthye is young, she is very brave.
“Ruthye is young” has a subject and a verb → even though.
3. Kara is Superman’s cousin. ___, she is very different from him.
A new sentence with a comma after the connector → however.
4. Kara keeps flying despite ___ tired.
After “despite”, use an -ing form, not a full sentence.
5. In spite ___ the danger, they go on.
“In spite” always keeps “of”.
6. Kara takes Ruthye with her ___ she wants to travel alone.
“She wants to travel alone” is a full sentence → even though.
7. Which sentence is correct?
Noun after “despite”, and no “of”.
8. Which sentence is correct?
“However” starts a new sentence and has a comma after it.
Your turn
Choose one ending. Then listen to your sentence.
Every sentence here is correct. Pick the one that is true for you. Say it out loud too!
Keep going
This film’s lesson
More lessons
Now hear it in the film
You have just learned contrast connectors with Supergirl. Now hear the whole film explained in English.
The full listening episode on the same film — a slow, clear movie review with the language used in real speech, and a free transcript.
IntermediateEpisode 01Watch on YouTube