All these words/phrases are similar in meaning. They all serve to record something that is surprising or unexpected. But the difference in usage is that although, though and even though are all conjunctions, whilst in spite of and despite are both prepositions.
So usage requires:
- although + clause
- though + clause
- despite + noun/noun phrase
- inspite of + noun/noun phrase
Although and though can be used in the same way. Though is more common in informal speech and writing, whereas although can be used in a wide variety of styles. Also, though is more commonly used in American English.
Compare:
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Our new neighbours are quite nice, though their children are rather noisy.
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Though is often used with even in order to give emphasis:
| I managed to get good results in my exams, even though I went out four times a week when I was supposed to be revising. |
Whilst despite might be thought more formal than in spite of - it is, after all, one word rather than three - there is really very little difference in usage between the two:
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Despite the terrible weather, they succeeded in walking to the top of the mountain
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