What is Despite / In Spite Of?
Despite and in spite of are prepositions that express contrast. They show that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it or make it surprising. These expressions are completely interchangeable in meaning and usage.
For example: ‘Despite the rain, we went hiking’ means we went hiking and the rain didn’t stop us.
Similarly, ‘In spite of feeling tired, she finished her work’ shows that tiredness didn’t prevent her from completing her tasks.
Both expressions emphasize unexpected outcomes or actions that continue regardless of obstacles or contrary conditions. They are essential for expressing sophisticated ideas about contrast and perseverance in English.
How to Form Despite / In Spite Of
Both despite and in spite of must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb + -ing). The basic patterns are:
1. Despite/In spite of + noun: ‘Despite the weather’ or ‘In spite of the problem’
2. Despite/In spite of + pronoun: ‘Despite this’ or ‘In spite of everything’
3. Despite/In spite of + gerund: ‘Despite working hard’ or ‘In spite of trying’
4. Despite/In spite of + the fact that + clause: ‘Despite the fact that it was raining’ or ‘In spite of the fact that he was tired’
Important: Never use ‘of’ after ‘despite’ alone. It’s ‘despite the rain’ NOT ‘despite of the rain’. However, ‘in spite of’ always keeps the ‘of’. The structure typically appears at the beginning or middle of sentences, followed by a comma when starting a sentence.
When Do We Use Despite / In Spite Of?
We use despite and in spite of in the following situations:
1. To show unexpected results: When an outcome is surprising given the circumstances (‘Despite losing the first set, she won the match’).
2. To express determination: When someone continues despite obstacles (‘In spite of the difficulties, they never gave up’).
3. To contrast weather conditions with actions: When weather doesn’t prevent activities (‘Despite the snow, schools remained open’).
4. To show achievement against odds: When success comes despite challenges (‘She graduated despite working full-time’).
5. To express contradictory feelings or states: When two opposing things exist simultaneously (‘Despite being exhausted, he felt happy’).
6. To minimize negative factors: When downplaying problems or issues (‘In spite of some mistakes, the presentation was excellent’).
7. To show persistence of habits: When behaviors continue regardless of circumstances (‘Despite his wealth, he lives simply’).
8. To express physical limitations overcome: When abilities exceed expectations (‘In spite of her injury, she played well’).
9. To show continuing situations: When something persists against expectations (‘Despite the warnings, people still smoke’).
10. To contrast preparation with outcome: When results don’t match effort (‘In spite of careful planning, things went wrong’).
Register and Formality
Despite and in spite of are both appropriate for formal and informal contexts, though despite is slightly more common in formal writing.
In academic and professional writing, despite is often preferred for its conciseness. For example: ‘Despite economic challenges, the company expanded’ (formal report).
In spite of appears equally in spoken English and informal writing: ‘In spite of the mess, I love this place’ (casual conversation).
The phrase ‘despite the fact that’ is common in formal contexts when a full clause is needed, though some style guides recommend using ‘although’ instead for brevity.
In very informal speech, native speakers might use ‘even though’ more frequently than either despite or in spite of.
Comparing with Similar Structures
Despite/In spite of vs. Although/Even though: The key difference is grammatical structure. Despite and in spite of are prepositions followed by nouns or gerunds (‘Despite the rain’), while although and even though are conjunctions followed by subject + verb clauses (‘Although it was raining’). They express the same contrast but require different sentence structures.
Despite/In spite of vs. However: However is a linking adverb that connects two separate sentences or independent clauses (‘It was raining. However, we went out’), while despite/in spite of work within a single sentence structure. However is more formal and shows contrast between ideas rather than within one situation.
Despite/In spite of vs. But: But is a coordinating conjunction that joins two equal clauses (‘It was raining, but we went out’). Despite/in spite of are more sophisticated and formal, emphasizing the surprising nature of the contrast more strongly.
Despite vs. In spite of: These are completely interchangeable with no difference in meaning, formality, or usage. The only distinction is that despite is one word and slightly shorter, making it marginally more common in formal writing where conciseness is valued.
Common Collocations and Patterns
Despite and in spite of frequently appear with certain words and patterns:
1. Despite/In spite of + everything: ‘Despite everything, they remained friends’
2. Despite/In spite of + this/that: ‘In spite of this, we continued’
3. Despite/In spite of + all: ‘Despite all his efforts, he failed’
4. Despite/In spite of + possessive + efforts/attempts: ‘Despite our best efforts’
5. Despite/In spite of + the fact that: ‘Despite the fact that she was tired’
6. Despite/In spite of + what: ‘In spite of what people say’
7. Despite/In spite of + being: ‘Despite being young, he’s very mature’
8. Despite/In spite of + having: ‘In spite of having no experience, she succeeded’
9. Despite/In spite of + the weather/circumstances/difficulties: Common noun collocations
10. Despite/In spite of + myself/yourself/himself (reflexive): ‘I laughed despite myself’ (meaning involuntarily)
📝 Examples 25
Example 1
✓ Despite the terrible weather, thousands of people attended the outdoor concert.
This shows how despite introduces a contrasting situation where an obstacle (bad weather) didn’t prevent an action. The noun phrase ‘the terrible weather’ directly follows despite, demonstrating the standard pattern.
Example 2
✓ In spite of studying all night, Maria felt confident about the exam.
Here, in spite of is followed by a gerund phrase (studying all night). This demonstrates how continuous actions can follow these prepositions, and how the main clause shows an unexpected positive feeling given the exhausting preparation.
Example 3
✓ The team won the championship despite losing their star player to injury.
This example shows despite with a gerund phrase expressing a significant setback. The contrast emphasizes the team’s remarkable achievement against the odds, making the victory more impressive.
Example 4
✓ In spite of being only 16, Tom speaks four languages fluently.
This illustrates how in spite of can emphasize achievement that exceeds normal expectations for someone’s age or experience level. The gerund ‘being’ is followed by an adjective phrase.
Example 5
✓ Despite the fact that he apologized, she refused to forgive him.
This demonstrates the ‘despite the fact that’ structure, which allows a full clause with subject and verb. This pattern is useful when the contrasting element is too complex for a simple noun or gerund.
Example 6
✓ She continued working in spite of her doctor’s advice to rest.
This shows in spite of followed by a possessive noun phrase. The example illustrates persistence despite professional medical guidance, emphasizing determination or perhaps stubbornness.
Example 7
✓ Despite having no formal training, he became a successful entrepreneur.
This uses despite with a perfect gerund (having + past participle) to show a past state or lack. It emphasizes how someone succeeded without typical prerequisites, highlighting natural ability or determination.
Example 8
✓ In spite of what everyone told her, she decided to follow her dreams.
This pattern uses ‘in spite of what’ followed by a clause. It shows how these expressions can introduce contrast with others’ opinions or advice, emphasizing independent decision-making.
Example 9
✓ The restaurant is always busy despite its high prices.
This example shows despite in mid-sentence position with a simple noun phrase. It illustrates how quality or appeal can overcome what would normally be a deterrent (expensive prices).
Example 10
✓ In spite of everything that happened, they remained close friends.
The collocation ‘in spite of everything’ is common for referring to multiple or unspecified difficulties. This example shows how relationships can endure despite various challenges without listing them specifically.
Example 11
✓ Despite my best efforts, I couldn’t solve the problem.
This uses a possessive determiner with ‘efforts,’ a very common collocation. It expresses frustration or acceptance when trying hard doesn’t produce the desired result, showing limitation despite genuine attempt.
Example 12
✓ In spite of the noise from the street, the baby slept peacefully.
This demonstrates contrast between expected and actual outcomes. Normally, noise prevents sleep, but here it doesn’t, making the baby’s peaceful sleep noteworthy and perhaps indicating exhaustion or adaptability.
Example 13
✓ Despite feeling nervous, she delivered an excellent presentation.
This shows how internal states (emotions, feelings) can be contrasted with external performance. The gerund ‘feeling’ is followed by an adjective, and the main clause shows that nervousness didn’t affect quality.
Example 14
✓ The company expanded in spite of the economic recession.
This business context example shows how despite/in spite of are common in formal and professional writing. It emphasizes business success against broader negative economic trends, highlighting strong performance.
Example 15
✓ Despite being tired, I couldn’t fall asleep.
This presents an ironic or frustrating situation where the expected outcome (sleeping when tired) doesn’t occur. It’s a relatable example showing how physical states don’t always produce logical results.
Example 16
✓ In spite of his wealth, he drives an old car and lives modestly.
This illustrates contrast between what someone could do (based on wealth) and what they choose to do. It suggests values like frugality or humility that override material possibilities.
Example 17
✓ Despite numerous setbacks, the project was completed on schedule.
This shows despite with a plural noun modified by an adjective. It’s common in professional contexts to acknowledge difficulties while emphasizing successful outcomes, demonstrating good project management or team resilience.
Example 18
✓ She maintained her optimism in spite of the disappointing news.
This example shows how attitudes or personality traits can persist despite negative circumstances. The noun phrase ‘the disappointing news’ is simple but effective in showing what would normally affect mood.
Example 19
✓ Despite not having much money, they enjoyed a wonderful vacation.
This uses despite with a negative gerund construction (not having). It shows how experiences can be positive without expensive resources, emphasizing that happiness or enjoyment isn’t solely dependent on wealth.
Example 20
✓ In spite of the warning signs, many tourists ignored the danger.
This example shows how despite/in spite of can describe unwise or risky behavior. It emphasizes that clear information or caution was available but disregarded, often used in news reporting or cautionary contexts.
Example 21
✓ Despite this setback, we remain committed to our goals.
Using ‘despite this’ is common for referring to something just mentioned. This example shows determination and forward-looking attitude in professional or motivational contexts, acknowledging problems without dwelling on them.
Example 22
✓ The plants survived in spite of receiving no water for weeks.
This demonstrates despite/in spite of with a gerund in passive voice (receiving). It shows remarkable resilience of living things and illustrates how these expressions can emphasize survival against harsh conditions.
Example 23
✓ Despite knowing the risks, he decided to invest in the startup.
This shows informed decision-making despite awareness of dangers. The gerund ‘knowing’ indicates conscious awareness, making the decision more deliberate and perhaps showing courage, optimism, or calculated risk-taking.
Example 24
✓ In spite of her busy schedule, she always makes time for her family.
This illustrates prioritization and work-life balance. It shows how people can maintain important relationships despite demanding professional lives, emphasizing values and deliberate choices about time management.
Example 25
✓ Despite the critics’ negative reviews, the movie became a box office success.
This shows how public opinion can differ from expert opinion. The possessive noun phrase ‘the critics’ negative reviews’ demonstrates a more complex structure, and the contrast highlights popular appeal versus critical reception.
⚠️ Common Mistakes 15
Mistake 1
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite of the rain, we went to the park.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite the rain, we went to the park. / ✓ In spite of the rain, we went to the park.
💡 Why: This is the most common error with despite. Root cause: Learners confuse ‘despite’ with ‘in spite of’ and incorrectly add ‘of’ after despite. Prevention strategy: Remember that ‘despite’ is ONE word and complete by itself, while ‘in spite of’ is THREE words. Self-check: If you use ‘despite,’ the very next word should be an article, noun, or gerund—never ‘of.’
Mistake 2
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite it was raining, we played football.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite the rain, we played football. / ✓ Although it was raining, we played football.
💡 Why: Root cause: Learners treat despite as a conjunction like ‘although’ and follow it with a subject-verb clause. Despite is a preposition and must be followed by a noun or gerund, not a clause. Prevention: If you want to use a full clause (subject + verb), use ‘although’ or ‘even though’ instead. Alternative: Convert the clause to a noun or use ‘despite the fact that it was raining.’
Mistake 3
❌ Incorrect: ❌ In spite the cold weather, they went swimming.
✓ Correct: ✓ In spite of the cold weather, they went swimming.
💡 Why: Root cause: Learners forget that ‘in spite of’ is a three-word phrase and omit the ‘of.’ This may result from thinking of ‘in spite’ as a single unit. Prevention: Always remember the complete phrase is ‘in spite OF’—the ‘of’ is essential. Memory aid: Think of ‘of’ as the connecting word that links ‘in spite’ to the noun that follows.
Mistake 4
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite he studied hard, he failed the test.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite studying hard, he failed the test. / ✓ Although he studied hard, he failed the test.
💡 Why: Root cause: This error occurs when learners follow despite with a subject pronoun and verb, treating it like a conjunction. Despite requires a noun or gerund form. Prevention: After despite/in spite of, convert the verb to its -ing form (gerund) and remove the subject if possible, or use a conjunction like ‘although’ if you need a full clause structure.
Mistake 5
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite of being tired, she continued working.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite being tired, she continued working. / ✓ In spite of being tired, she continued working.
💡 Why: Root cause: Overgeneralization from ‘in spite of’—learners incorrectly add ‘of’ after despite. This is an extremely common error, especially for learners whose L1 uses a similar two-word phrase. Prevention strategy: Practice the contrast explicitly: ‘despite’ = one word, no ‘of’; ‘in spite of’ = three words, always with ‘of.’ Self-check: Say them aloud to internalize the rhythm difference.
Mistake 6
❌ Incorrect: ❌ In spite of the fact he was late, they waited for him.
✓ Correct: ✓ In spite of the fact that he was late, they waited for him. / ✓ Despite the fact that he was late, they waited for him.
💡 Why: Root cause: When using the ‘despite/in spite of the fact’ structure, learners forget to include ‘that’ before the clause. This structure requires ‘the fact that’ as a complete unit to introduce the clause properly. Prevention: Remember that ‘the fact that’ is a fixed phrase—you cannot separate ‘fact’ and ‘that.’ If using this structure, always include all four words: ‘the fact that.’
Mistake 7
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite to work hard, he didn’t get promoted.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite working hard, he didn’t get promoted.
💡 Why: Root cause: Some learners incorrectly use the infinitive form (to + verb) after despite, possibly influenced by structures like ‘in order to.’ Despite must be followed by a gerund (-ing form), not an infinitive. Prevention: After despite/in spite of, always use the -ing form for verbs. Self-check question: ‘Can I use this verb as a noun?’ The -ing form functions as a noun.
Mistake 8
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time. / ✓ Although the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.
💡 Why: Root cause: Learners mix prepositional and conjunction structures, starting with a noun (‘the traffic’) but then adding a verb clause. Despite needs a complete noun phrase, not a clause. Prevention: After despite + article + noun, don’t add a verb. Instead, add adjectives to describe the noun (‘heavy traffic’). Or use ‘although’ if you need a verb.
Mistake 9
❌ Incorrect: ❌ She passed the exam despite of she didn’t study much.
✓ Correct: ✓ She passed the exam despite not studying much. / ✓ She passed the exam although she didn’t study much.
💡 Why: Root cause: Double error—using ‘despite of’ (incorrect) and following with a clause (also incorrect). This shows confusion between prepositions and conjunctions plus interference from ‘in spite of.’ Prevention: Remember two rules simultaneously: despite (no ‘of’) + noun/gerund (no clause). If you need a clause, switch to ‘although.’ Practice converting clauses to gerunds.
Mistake 10
❌ Incorrect: ❌ In spite of to be young, he’s very mature.
✓ Correct: ✓ In spite of being young, he’s very mature.
💡 Why: Root cause: Using infinitive instead of gerund after in spite of. Some languages use infinitive structures where English uses gerunds. Prevention: After in spite of/despite, verbs must be in -ing form (gerund). The pattern is fixed: in spite of + gerund. Memory check: ‘In spite of’ is followed by a noun-like form, and gerunds function as nouns.
Mistake 11
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite I was tired, I went to the gym.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite being tired, I went to the gym. / ✓ Although I was tired, I went to the gym.
💡 Why: Root cause: Treating despite as a conjunction and following it directly with a subject pronoun. This is a fundamental category error—despite is a preposition. Prevention: If your next word after despite is a pronoun (I, you, he, she, etc.), you’re making an error. Convert to gerund or use ‘although.’ Quick test: Can you replace ‘despite’ with ‘because of’? If structure works, you’re correct.
Mistake 12
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite his tired, he finished the race.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite his tiredness, he finished the race. / ✓ Despite being tired, he finished the race.
💡 Why: Root cause: Using an adjective (tired) directly after a possessive, when a noun is required. After possessives (his, her, their), despite needs a noun, not an adjective. Prevention: Convert adjectives to nouns (tired → tiredness, sick → sickness) or restructure using ‘being + adjective.’ Self-check: After ‘his/her/their,’ the next word must be a noun.
Mistake 13
❌ Incorrect: ❌ In spite we were late, they saved us seats.
✓ Correct: ✓ In spite of being late, they saved us seats. / ✓ Although we were late, they saved us seats.
💡 Why: Root cause: Omitting ‘of’ from ‘in spite of’ and treating ‘in spite’ as a conjunction. This shows incomplete learning of the three-word phrase. Prevention: ‘In spite of’ is a fixed phrase—never separate or reduce it. Write it as three words every time. Practice: Always write ‘in spite of’ together in your notes to reinforce the complete structure.
Mistake 14
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite all of his efforts, he couldn’t succeed.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite all his efforts, he couldn’t succeed. / ✓ In spite of all his efforts, he couldn’t succeed.
💡 Why: Root cause: Adding unnecessary ‘of’ after ‘all’ when it’s not needed. While ‘all of’ is correct in some contexts (‘all of them’), with possessives before nouns, ‘all’ alone is preferred. Prevention: With possessive + noun after despite/in spite of, use ‘all his/her/their’ without ‘of.’ The pattern is: despite + all + possessive + noun.
Mistake 15
❌ Incorrect: ❌ Despite the fact of the weather was bad, we hiked.
✓ Correct: ✓ Despite the fact that the weather was bad, we hiked. / ✓ Despite the bad weather, we hiked.
💡 Why: Root cause: Using ‘of’ instead of ‘that’ in the ‘despite the fact’ structure. Learners may overgeneralize the use of ‘of’ with despite-related structures. Prevention: The correct phrase is ‘despite the fact THAT’ (not ‘of’). The word ‘that’ introduces the clause that follows. Memory aid: ‘Fact that’ goes together like ‘the fact that the sky is blue.’