However vs. Despite — What's the Difference?

"However" serves as a conjunctive adverb, playing a critical role in indicating a contrast or contradiction in relation to the statement that preceded it. When using "However," it's like saying, "on the other hand." For instance, you might say, "I wanted to visit Paris; however, I didn't have enough funds." In this context, "However" introduces a contradiction to the prior desire to visit Paris. On the contrary, "Despite" is a preposition that sets up a scenario where an expectation is subverted. It's synonymous with "in spite of."

In another perspective, "However" often requires more structural changes in a sentence, typically being used to start a new sentence or after a semicolon. For instance, "She was tired. However, she completed her assignment." "Despite," being a preposition, introduces a noun or noun phrase and doesn't usually alter the structure of the main clause. An example would be, "Despite her fatigue, she completed her assignment."

In terms of flexibility, "However" can be placed at the beginning, middle, or end of a sentence, depending on the intended emphasis. For instance, "However, she didn't agree" or "She didn't, however, agree" or "She didn't agree, however." On the other side, "Despite" has a more fixed placement, primarily coming before the condition being contrasted, like, "Despite the rain, we had fun."

Lastly, it's essential to understand that while both "However" and "Despite" are used to show contrast, their grammatical roles are different. "However" can function in various capacities within a sentence, including as an interrupter. In comparison, "Despite" will always serve as a preposition, demanding a noun or noun phrase to follow.