Subordinate conjunctions

Man is ready to die for an idea, provided that idea is not quite clear to him.

after
although
as
as soon as
because
before
by the time
even if
even though
every time
if
in case
in order that
in the event that
just in case
now that once
only if
provided that
rather than
since
so that
than
that
though
until
when
whenever
where
whereas
wherever
whether
whether or not
while
why

Subordinate concessive conjunctions

Conjunction	Type of contrast	Example	Nuance
although	factual contrast	Although it rained, we walked	neutral, standard
though	factual contrast	I walked, though it rained	informal, conversational
even though	strong unexpected contrast	Even though it poured, we walked	emphasizes surprise
whereas / while	comparison of facts	He likes tea, whereas I prefer coffee	shows difference between ideas
even if	hypothetical obstacle	I’ll walk even if it rains	main clause occurs despite condition
as though / as if	hypothetical, unreal	He acted as if he knew everything	suggests something contrary to reality
no matter (how/what/who/when/where)	limiting condition ignored	No matter what happens, I’ll stay	emphasizes inevitability of main clause

Despite, in spite of:

Both can not connect subordinate clause.

Conjunction	Type of contrast	Example	Nuance
despite	factual/real contrast	Despite the rain, we walked	formal, emphasizes main action over obstacle
in spite of	factual/real contrast	In spite of the rain, we walked	similar to “despite,” slightly less formal

Clarification of contrasts

Conjunction / Preposition	Works like although ?	Notes on differences	Can connect subordinate clause?
although	✅ Yes	Standard factual contrast, links clauses.	✅ Yes
though	✅ Mostly	Informal version of “although,” clause-linking. Can appear at the end.	✅ Yes
even though	✅ Yes, stronger	Emphasizes unexpected contrast more than “although.”	✅ Yes
whereas / while	⚠️ Partially	Compares two facts or situations; more about difference than unexpected contrast.	✅ Yes
even if	⚠️ No	Hypothetical contrast; focuses on “if it were true” rather than “it is true but surprising.”	✅ Yes
as though / as if	⚠️ No	Hypothetical/unreal contrast; suggests something contrary to reality.	✅ Yes
no matter (how/what/who/when/where)	⚠️ No	Emphasizes inevitability despite circumstances; not a simple factual contrast.	⚠️ Only with full clause introduced by “that” or as noun phrase
despite	⚠️ No	Preposition; introduces a noun/gerund, not a full clause. Expresses contrast formally.	❌ No
in spite of	⚠️ No	Same as “despite,” slightly less formal. Must be followed by noun/gerund.	❌ No

When “no matter” can coordinate:

No matter where you go, I will follow you. No matter where she lives, she stays in touch with her friends.

Although there are many obstacles, she keeps smiling (although always connects a subordinate)

And when not:

She keeps smiling no matter the obstacles.

She keeps smiling in spite of the obstacles (in spite of never connects a subordinate)