We can use in spite of and despite with a subject and verb if we include the expression ‘the fact that’.  In spite of the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam.  Despite the fact that he worked very hard, he didn’t manage to pass the exam. Even though Even though is a slightly stronger form of although.  We decided to buy the house even though we didn’t really have enough money.  You keep making that stupid noise even though I’ve asked y