Contrast connectors: sin embargo, a pesar de
however / despite
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however / despite
sin embargo and no obstante sit between sentences: Estudió. Sin embargo, suspendió. a pesar de + noun/infinitive: a pesar de la lluvia, a pesar de estudiar.
Examples in context
Read the examples and compare their English meanings.
Inter-sentence Contrast
Connects two independent sentences with punctuation.
El proyecto era difícil. Sin embargo, lo terminamos a tiempo.
The project was difficult. However, we finished it on time.
Noun Phrase Contrast
A pesar de can be followed by a noun phrase or an infinitive; a finite clause uses a pesar de que.
Fuimos a la playa a pesar del mal tiempo.
We went to the beach despite the bad weather.
Infinitive Action Contrast
Pair with an infinitive verb instead of conjugated.
A pesar de estudiar mucho, no aprobó el examen.
Despite studying hard, he didn't pass the exam.
Common mix-ups
Use a pesar de que before a finite clause. A pesar de estudiar mucho is also valid, with an infinitive.
Although he studied hard, he failed the exam.
Try a reply
Say or write your answer in Spanish before opening the example.
We went out despite the rain.
Show one possible answer
Salimos a pesar de la lluvia.
Other wording can work too. Compare the verb form, agreement, and word order with the lesson. Then try a sentence about your own day.
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