Despite vs In Spite Of: The Definitive Guide for Contrast

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write despite or in spite of? You are not alone. These two contrast connectors trip up even advanced English learners. But here is the good news: they mean exactly the same thing. The real challenge lies in using them correctly with nouns, gerunds, or clauses, and knowing when to choose one over the other. In this guide, you will learn the rules, avoid common ESL errors, and master the subtle differences between formal and informal usage.

What Is “Despite” and “In Spite Of”?

Both despite and in spite of are prepositions used to show contrast. They mean that something happened even though an obstacle or opposing factor existed. For example:

• Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
• In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.

The meaning is identical. However, in spite of is three words, while despite is one. That small difference affects tone and style.

Rules

1. Rule 1: Both are prepositions, not conjunctions. They must be followed by a noun, a pronoun, a gerund (verb + -ing), or a noun phrase. They cannot be followed by a full clause (subject + verb).
2. Rule 2: Never use “of” after “despite”. “Despite of” is always incorrect. The correct forms are “despite” alone or “in spite of”.
3. Rule 3: Use “the fact that” to add a full clause. If you need to include a subject and verb, add “the fact that” after despite or in spite of. Example: “Despite the fact that it rained, we went out.”
4. Rule 4: “In spite of” is slightly more common in informal speech. “Despite” is often preferred in formal writing, but both are grammatically correct everywhere.
5. Rule 5: Do not confuse with “although” or “even though”. Those are conjunctions and introduce full clauses without “the fact that”.

How to Use It

Follow these steps to use despite and in spite of correctly every time.

1. Identify the contrast idea. Ask yourself: What is the obstacle? What happened anyway? For example, obstacle = tiredness, result = finished the project.
2. Choose your structure. If the obstacle is a noun or gerund, use despite / in spite of directly. If the obstacle is a full clause (e.g., “he was tired”), add “the fact that”.
3. Decide on tone. For formal essays, reports, or academic writing, use “despite”. For everyday conversation, “in spite of” feels natural, though “despite” is also fine.
4. Placement in the sentence. You can start the sentence with the contrast phrase or put it in the middle. Both are correct.

Examples:

• Start: Despite his injury, he played the match.
• Middle: He played the match in spite of his injury.
• With clause: Despite the fact that he was injured, he played the match.

Examples in Sentences

• Despite the cold weather, the children played outside.
• She passed the exam in spite of not studying much.
• Despite the fact that the traffic was terrible, we arrived on time.
• He remained cheerful in spite of losing his job.
• Despite being a beginner, she won the chess tournament.
• The company grew in spite of the economic crisis.
• Despite his wealth, he lives modestly.
• They continued the hike in spite of the heavy fog.
• Despite the fact that she was exhausted, she finished the marathon.
• He apologized in spite of not being at fault.
• Despite repeated warnings, the driver ignored the speed limit.
• She smiled in spite of her disappointment.

Common Mistakes

1. Mistake: Using “despite of”
   ❌ Despite of the rain, we went out.
   ✅ Despite the rain, we went out.
   or
   ✅ In spite of the rain, we went out.
2. Mistake: Using a full clause after despite / in spite of
   ❌ Despite it rained, we went out.
   ✅ Despite the fact that it rained, we went out.
   or
   ✅ Although it rained, we went out.
3. Mistake: Confusing “in spite of” with “despite” in negative sentences
   ❌ In spite of not having money, she bought a car. (This is actually correct, but learners sometimes avoid it.)
   ✅ In spite of not having money, she bought a car. (It is fine.)
4. Mistake: Using “in spite” without “of”
   ❌ In spite the rain, we went out.
   ✅ In spite of the rain, we went out.
5. Mistake: Using “despite” as a conjunction
   ❌ Despite he was tired, he worked.
   ✅ Despite being tired, he worked.
   or
   ✅ Despite the fact that he was tired, he worked.

Quick Summary

• Despite and in spite of have the same meaning: contrast.
• Both are prepositions, not conjunctions.
• Follow them with a noun, gerund, or noun phrase.
• To add a full clause, use “the fact that”.
• Never say “despite of” — it is always incorrect.
• “Despite” is more common in formal writing; “in spite of” is slightly more informal but acceptable everywhere.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with “despite”, “in spite of”, or “despite / in spite of the fact that”.

1. __________ the heavy rain, the football match continued.
2. She got the job __________ not having a university degree.
3. __________ he was very tired, he stayed up to finish the report.
4. They enjoyed the picnic __________ the cold wind.
5. __________ the traffic jam, we made it to the airport on time.

Answers:

1. Despite or In spite of
2. despite or in spite of
3. Despite the fact that or In spite of the fact that
4. despite or in spite of
5. Despite or In spite of

Conclusion

Now you know the secret: despite and in spite of are twins with different names. Use them confidently with nouns and gerunds, and remember to add “the fact that” when you need a full clause. Avoid the common “despite of” error, and choose “despite” for formal writing. Practice the exercises above, and soon these contrast connectors will feel completely natural.

FAQ

1. Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” interchangeably?

Yes, absolutely. They have the same meaning and can be used in the same grammatical structures. The only difference is style: “despite” is one word and is slightly more common in formal writing, while “in spite of” is three words and feels a bit more conversational. Both are correct in any context.

2. Is “despite of” ever correct?

No. “Despite of” is always a mistake. The correct forms are “despite” (without “of”) and “in spite of” (with “of”). Many learners make this error because “in spite of” contains “of”, so they incorrectly add “of” to “despite”. Remember: despite = no “of”; in spite of = always with “of”.

3. What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?

“Despite” is a preposition, so it is followed by a noun, gerund, or noun phrase (e.g., “Despite the rain…”). “Although” is a conjunction, so it is followed by a full clause with a subject and verb (e.g., “Although it rained…”). To use “despite” with a full clause, you must add “the fact that” (e.g., “Despite the fact that it rained…”).

4. Can I start a sentence with “in spite of”?

Yes, you can. Starting a sentence with “in spite of” is perfectly natural and common. For example: “In spite of the delay, we finished on time.” You can also place it in the middle: “We finished on time in spite of the delay.” Both positions are grammatically correct.