REPHRASING: DESPITE/IN SPITE OF - ALTHOUGH
In spite of being a nice girl, I don't quite like her. (ALTHOUGH)
Although she's a nice girl, I don't quite like her.
Despite the low salary, he enjoys his job (ALTHOUGH)
Although the salary is low, he enjoys his job.
Although she had no money, she bought a new car. (DESPITE)
Despite having no money, she bought a new car.
Although Benny was ill, he went to school bacause he had an important exam. ( DESPITE)
Despite his illness, Benny went to school because he had an important exam.
Although he had lived in Norway for ten years, he never got used to the cold. (IN SPITE OF)
In spite of having lived in Norway for ten years, he never got used to the cold.