Complete Grammar Syllabus (145 Units)

Grammar Mastery

Comprehensive reference, real-world IELTS band-boosting tips, clear structural formulas, and interactive short quizzes for intermediate to advanced English learners.

Concession & Condition: Although, In Spite Of, In Case, Unless

Contrasting ideas with although/despite, taking precautions with in case, and expressing negative conditions with unless and as long as.

Core Structure & Formula

Although / Even though + Subject + Verb (Although it rained, the festival continued)

In spite of / Despite + Noun / -ing / the fact that (Despite the delay / In spite of being late)

In case + Present Simple (Bring a charger in case the battery runs out = because it might run out)

Unless = Except if / If ... not (You won't qualify unless you submit the form)

As long as / Provided that = on condition that (You can extend the deadline as long as you notify us early)

AAlthough vs. In spite of / Despite

'Although' connects clauses (subject + verb). 'Despite' and 'in spite of' take noun phrases or gerunds (-ing). Never say 'despite of'.

•Although it rained heavily, the outdoor festival continued.

•In spite of the heavy rain, the outdoor festival continued.

•I didn't get the internship despite having strong references.

•Despite the fact that the traffic was terrible, we arrived on time.

BIn Case vs. If

'In case' means doing something NOW as a precaution against a future possibility. 'If' means doing something ONLY after an event occurs.

•We'll bring extra chairs in case more guests turn up. (= bring them now whether guests turn up or not)

•We'll bring extra chairs if more guests turn up. (= bring chairs only if guests actually arrive)

•I'll leave you my number in case you need to reach me during the trip.

CUnless and Provided (that)

'Unless' means except if. 'Provided that' sets a strict condition.

•You can't access the archive unless you have a staff login. (= only if you have a login)

•I'm not leaving unless the storm passes.

•Providing the funding is approved, the project will begin next month.

IELTS Band 7–9 Exam Impact

Essential discourse markers for IELTS Writing Task 2 coherence & cohesion, contrasting counter-arguments and building balanced essays.

Common Candidate Errors

✗ Despite of the rain, we went out.

✓ Despite the rain, we went out. / In spite of the rain, we went out.

'Despite' is never followed by 'of'.

✗ I brought a charger in case the battery will run out.

✓ I brought a charger in case the battery ran out / in case the battery runs out.

Do not use 'will' after 'in case'.

Unit 113 Interactive Short Quiz

Test your understanding with 3 verified practice exercises.

Question 1 of 3

I couldn't concentrate ______ having plenty of time.

Question 2 of 3

Take a printed map ______ your phone battery dies.

Question 3 of 3

You won't pass the module ______ you attend the workshops.