Below are two formal and polite equivalents (synonyms) of 'although' which you can use in your business or professional pieces of writing.

The word 'although' is used to make a contrast between a situation ('it was raining') and what happened or will happen ('I went for a walk'). The word 'although' and its synonyms below are always used in front of the situation (e.g. 'although it was raining'). This is different to another word used for making a contrast, 'but'. With 'but', you use it in front of the what happened or will happen (e.g. 'but I went for a walk').

To see the formal synonyms of 'but', click here.

Despite the fact that

Is used in exactly the same way as 'although'.

'Despite the fact that the heating problems have been resolved in the building, the heating will not be turned on until tomorrow morning.'



You can also just use 'despite'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain').

'Despite our best efforts, we have been unable to identify the problem with the software.'

In spite of the fact that

Is used in exactly the same way as 'although'.

'In spite of the fact that the heating problems have been resolved in the building, the heating will not be turned on until tomorrow morning.'



You can also just use 'in spite of'. But if you do, it should only be followed by a noun or noun phrase (e.g. 'the heavy rain').

'In spite of our best efforts, we have been unable to identify the problem with the software.'


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