Despite vs In Spite Of vs Although: A Complete Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write despite, in spite of, or although? You are not alone. These three expressions all show contrast, but they follow different grammar patterns, and getting them wrong can confuse your reader. In this guide, you will learn exactly how each one works, see plenty of real-life examples, and avoid the most common mistakes that even advanced learners make.

What Is Contrast in Grammar?

Contrast clauses show that two ideas are surprising or opposite in some way. For example, “It was raining, but we went for a walk” is a contrast. The words despite, in spite of, and although all do this job, but they belong to different grammar categories.

Although is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a full clause (subject + verb). Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They are followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (-ing form), but never by a full clause. This difference is the key to using them correctly.

Rules

Here are the four golden rules for using these contrast words correctly:

1. Although + subject + verb: Use although before a complete clause. Example: Although she was tired, she finished her homework.
2. Despite / In spite of + noun or gerund: Use these before a noun phrase or an -ing verb. Example: Despite the rain, we played football. Or: In spite of feeling sick, he went to work.
3. Never use “although” with a noun alone: You cannot say “Although the rain.” You must say “Although it rained” or “Despite the rain.”
4. Despite and in spite of are interchangeable: They mean exactly the same thing. “In spite of” is slightly more formal, but both are correct in writing and speech.

How to Use It

Follow this simple step-by-step process to choose the right word every time:

Step 1: Identify what follows the word. Look at the next few words. Is there a subject and a verb (e.g., “she left”)? Or is there only a noun/gerund (e.g., “the noise” or “working late”)?

Step 2: Choose your word. If you see a full clause, use although. If you see a noun or gerund, use despite or in spite of.

Step 3: Check the sentence order. You can put these words at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. If you start with although, use a comma. If you start with despite or in spite of, also use a comma. In the middle, no comma is needed.

Step 4: Use “the fact that” if you need a clause after despite. If you really want to use despite with a full clause, add “the fact that.” Example: Despite the fact that she was tired, she finished her homework. This is correct, but it is wordier than using although.

Examples in Sentences

Here are ten sentences that show the correct patterns. Pay attention to the bolded grammar points.

• Although it was cold, we went swimming.
• We went swimming despite the cold weather.
• She passed the exam in spite of not studying much.
• Although he is rich, he drives an old car.
• He drives an old car despite his wealth.
• In spite of the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
• Although the traffic was heavy, we arrived on time.
• They enjoyed the picnic despite the ants.
• Although the food was terrible, he ate everything.
• He ate everything in spite of the terrible food.

Common Mistakes

Even advanced ESL learners make these errors. Study them carefully so you can avoid them.

• ❌ Although the rain, we played outside.
  ✅ Despite the rain, we played outside. (or: Although it rained, we played outside.)
• ❌ She came to class despite she was sick.
  ✅ She came to class although she was sick. (or: despite the fact that she was sick)
• ❌ In spite of he was tired, he ran five miles.
  ✅ In spite of being tired, he ran five miles. (or: Although he was tired, he ran five miles.)
• ❌ Despite of the noise, I slept well.
  ✅ Despite the noise, I slept well. (Never add “of” after “despite.”)
• ❌ Although working hard, she failed the test.
  ✅ Despite working hard, she failed the test. (or: Although she worked hard, she failed the test.)

Quick Summary

• Although = conjunction + subject + verb.
• Despite = preposition + noun/gerund.
• In spite of = preposition + noun/gerund (same as despite).
• To use despite with a clause, add “the fact that.”
• Never write “despite of.”
• Comma rule: use a comma when the contrast phrase starts the sentence.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with although, despite, or in spite of. Answers are below.

1. ________ he was late, he didn’t apologize.
2. ________ the high price, the phone sold out quickly.
3. She enjoys her job ________ the low salary.
4. ________ studying all night, he failed the exam.
5. ________ it was sunny, she took an umbrella.

Answers:

1. Although
2. Despite (or In spite of)
3. despite (or in spite of)
4. Despite (or In spite of)
5. Although

Conclusion

Now you know the secret: although takes a clause, while despite and in spite of take nouns or gerunds. Practice this difference for a few days, and it will become automatic. The next time you write an email or an essay, you will choose the correct word with confidence.

FAQ

1. Is “in spite of” more formal than “despite”?
Both are acceptable in formal and informal English. Some style guides note that “despite” is slightly shorter and more common in modern writing, but “in spite of” is perfectly correct. Choose whichever feels natural.

2. Can I use “but” with “although” in the same sentence?
No. Using both is redundant. You should say “Although it rained, we went out,” not “Although it rained, but we went out.” Choose one contrast word per sentence.

3. What is the difference between “despite” and “even though”?
“Even though” is a conjunction like “although” and takes a full clause. For example: “Even though she was tired, she worked.” “Despite” takes a noun: “Despite her tiredness, she worked.” They are not interchangeable in structure, but they express the same idea.

4. Can I start a sentence with “despite”?
Yes, absolutely. Starting with “despite” or “in spite of” is common and correct. Just remember to add a comma after the phrase. Example: “Despite the storm, the flight landed safely.”