What is the difference between ‘although’ and ‘despite’?
Both although and despite introduce a contrast or concession — a fact that makes the main clause surprising or unexpected. The meaning is very similar, but the grammatical structure is different, and mixing them up is one of the most common Advanced-level errors in English.
The key rule: although introduces a full clause (with a subject and a verb), while despite is a preposition and must be followed by a noun phrase or gerund.
although + clause
subject + verb
Although the delay was long,
Lufthansa kept its order.
despite + noun phrase / gerund
Despite the long delay,
Lufthansa kept its order.
Seeing them in aviation writing
High-level aviation journalism — safety reports, regulatory filings, business coverage — uses both structures frequently. Here are examples drawn from the story of Boeing’s long-delayed 777X certification:
- Although neither Boeing nor GE characterised the fault as a design flaw, engineers treated it as a serious concern. (although + full clause)
- Boeing expressed confidence in the timeline despite the programme’s history of setbacks. (despite + noun phrase)
- Although few analysts expected the schedule to hold, both companies said the issue would be resolved quickly. (although + full clause)
- Lufthansa remained committed to its order despite seven years of delays. (despite + noun phrase)
‘Although’ or ‘despite’?
For each sentence below, choose the correct word. Look carefully at what follows the blank — a full clause, or a noun phrase?
_____ the GE9X engine issue, Boeing confirmed the first flight was still targeted for April.
A noun phrase follows (‘the GE9X engine issue’), so ‘despite’ is correct. ‘Although’ introduces a full clause with a subject and verb.
_____ the discovery was made during a routine shop visit, engineers treated it as a serious concern.
A full clause follows (‘the discovery was made…’), so ‘although’ is correct.
The 777X programme has moved forward _____ seven years of delays.
‘Seven years of delays’ is a noun phrase, so ‘despite’ is correct. It cannot introduce a full clause.
_____ few analysts expected the timeline to hold, Boeing expressed confidence in the April date.
A full clause follows (‘few analysts expected…’), so ‘although’ is correct.
Lufthansa remains a committed launch customer _____ the repeated programme setbacks.
‘The repeated programme setbacks’ is a noun phrase, so ‘despite’ is correct.
_____ the schedule had slipped many times, Boeing and GE said the fault could be resolved quickly.
A full clause follows (‘the schedule had slipped…’), so ‘although’ is correct.
The aircraft’s composite folding wingtips are innovative _____ the engineering complexity they add.
‘The engineering complexity they add’ is a noun phrase, so ‘despite’ is correct.
_____ no airline was ready to take immediate delivery, Lufthansa kept its order in place.
A full clause follows (‘no airline was ready…’), so ‘although’ is correct.
CEFR Level C1 / ICAO Level 6
For more C1 reading in context, browse our CEFR C1 archive — concession structures like these appear throughout our coverage of aviation regulation, accident investigation, and industry challenges.