Despite vs In Spite Of: The Definitive Grammar Guide

Introduction

Do you ever freeze mid-sentence, wondering whether to write despite or in spite of? You are not alone. These two phrases confuse even advanced English learners because they mean the same thing but have slightly different structures and tones. In this guide, you will learn the exact rules, see real-life examples, avoid common ESL traps, and test yourself with practice exercises. By the end, you will use both phrases naturally in formal essays, emails, and casual conversations.

What Is “Despite” and “In Spite Of”?

Both despite and in spite of are prepositions used to show contrast and concession. They mean “not being prevented by” or “even though.” For example, Despite the rain, we went hiking means the rain did not stop us. In spite of the rain, we went hiking means exactly the same thing. The key difference is that despite is one word, shorter, and more common in modern writing. In spite of is three words, slightly more formal, and often appears in academic or literary texts. Both are correct, but you must never say “despite of” or “in spite from” – those are serious errors.

Rules

1. Rule 1: Use a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form) after both phrases. Never use a full clause (subject + verb) directly after them. For example: Despite being tired (gerund) or despite the noise (noun).
2. Rule 2: Never write “despite of.” The correct form is simply despite + noun. Example: Despite the traffic (not “despite of the traffic”).
3. Rule 3: Always write “in spite of” as three separate words. Do not combine them into “inspiteof.” Example: In spite of the cold (not “inspite of”).
4. Rule 4: To use a full clause, add “the fact that.” Say despite the fact that he was sick or in spite of the fact that she left early. This is the only way to include a subject and verb.
5. Rule 5: Both phrases can start a sentence or appear in the middle. When starting a sentence, follow with a comma. Example: Despite the delay, we arrived on time. In the middle: We arrived on time despite the delay.

How to Use It

Follow these simple steps to use despite and in spite of correctly in any sentence.

Step 1: Identify the contrast. Think about two ideas that seem opposite. Example: It was raining, but we played football. The contrast is between “raining” and “playing football.”

Step 2: Choose the noun or gerund. Turn one idea into a noun phrase. “It was raining” becomes “the rain” or “raining.” “We played football” becomes “playing football.”

Step 3: Place the phrase. Put despite or in spite of before the noun or gerund. Then add the main clause. Example: Despite the rain, we played football. Or: We played football in spite of the rain.

Step 4: For full clauses, use “the fact that.” If you want to keep the verb, write: Despite the fact that it was raining, we played football. This is wordier but grammatically correct.

Step 5: Match the tone. Use despite in emails, blog posts, and everyday writing. Use in spite of in essays, reports, or formal letters. Both are fine in speech, but despite sounds more natural in quick conversation.

Examples in Sentences

• Despite the heavy snow, the school remained open.
• She passed the exam in spite of studying only one night.
• Despite being exhausted, he finished the marathon.
• They enjoyed the picnic in spite of the ants.
• Despite the fact that the movie was long, I loved every minute.
• He accepted the job in spite of the low salary.
• Despite her fear of heights, she climbed the tower.
• We missed the train in spite of running to the station.
• Despite multiple warnings, the driver kept speeding.
• The team won in spite of losing their best player.
• Despite having no experience, she got the position.
• I slept well in spite of the noisy neighbors.

Common Mistakes

Mistake 1: Using “despite of”
❌ Despite of the heat, we went running.
✅ Despite the heat, we went running.

Mistake 2: Using a full clause without “the fact that”
❌ Despite he was tired, he worked late.
✅ Despite the fact that he was tired, he worked late. Or: Despite being tired, he worked late.

Mistake 3: Writing “in spite from” or “in spite to”
❌ In spite from the rain, we left.
✅ In spite of the rain, we left.

Mistake 4: Using “although” and “despite” together
❌ Although despite the cost, she bought it.
✅ Despite the cost, she bought it. Or: Although it was costly, she bought it.

Mistake 5: Forgetting the comma after a sentence-initial phrase
❌ Despite the delay we left.
✅ Despite the delay, we left.

Quick Summary

• Despite and in spite of mean the same thing and are both prepositions.
• Follow them with a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form).
• Never say “despite of” or “in spite from.”
• To use a full clause, add “the fact that” after the phrase.
• Use a comma when the phrase starts a sentence.
• Despite is more common and casual; in spite of is slightly more formal.
• Both are interchangeable in most contexts.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with despite or in spite of (both are correct). Choose the correct form based on the context.

1. __________ the bad weather, the festival continued.
2. She smiled __________ feeling nervous.
3. __________ the fact that he was late, no one complained.
4. We missed the flight __________ leaving early.
5. __________ his wealth, he lives simply.

Answers:

1. Despite / In spite of
2. Despite / In spite of
3. Despite / In spite of
4. Despite / In spite of
5. Despite / In spite of

Explanation: In all sentences, both phrases work because they are followed by a noun, gerund, or “the fact that” clause. The only difference is style – choose despite for shorter, modern sentences and in spite of for a more formal tone.

Conclusion

Now you know the simple rules behind despite and in spite of. Remember: use them with nouns or gerunds, never with “of” after despite, and add “the fact that” for full clauses. Practice with your own sentences, and soon these phrases will feel automatic. For more grammar tips, explore our other guides on contrast connectors like although, though, and whereas.

FAQ

1. Is “despite” more formal than “in spite of”?
No, actually the opposite is true. In spite of is slightly more formal and appears more often in academic writing. Despite is shorter and more common in everyday speech and writing. However, both are acceptable in formal contexts.

2. Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, you can place them at the end, but it sounds more natural in the middle or at the beginning. For example: He finished the race despite the pain. Ending with the phrase is fine: He finished the race, despite the pain. Just keep the comma if it feels like an afterthought.

3. What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?
Although is a conjunction and must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb). Despite is a preposition and takes a noun or gerund. Compare: Although he was tired, he worked (clause) vs. Despite being tired, he worked (gerund). You cannot say “despite he was tired.”

4. Can I use “despite” with “but” in the same sentence?
No. In English, we do not use two contrast connectors together. Say Despite the rain, we went out or It was rainy, but we went out. Never write “Despite the rain, but we went out.” This is a common ESL error.