Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, unsure whether to write despite or in spite of? You are not alone. These two phrases express the same idea—contrast and concession—but their subtle differences in tone and sentence position can trip up even advanced learners. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to use both correctly, avoid the most common ESL errors, and practise with real-life examples that will boost your academic and conversational English.
What Is “Despite” vs “In Spite Of”?
Both despite and in spite of are prepositions that show a contrast between two ideas. They mean “without being affected by” or “even though.” For example, you can say Despite the rain, we went hiking or In spite of the rain, we went hiking. They are interchangeable in meaning, but despite is slightly more formal and common in written English, while in spite of appears more often in spoken conversation. The key rule is that both are followed by a noun, a pronoun, or a gerund (-ing form)—never by a full clause with a subject and verb.
Rules
- Use a noun or gerund after both phrases. You cannot say “despite I was tired.” Instead, say despite being tired or despite my tiredness.
- Never use “of” after “despite.” The phrase is just despite, not “despite of.” This is a classic error. Correct: Despite the noise. Incorrect: Despite of the noise.
- Always include “of” after “in spite.” The full phrase is in spite of. You cannot drop the “of.” Correct: In spite of the delay. Incorrect: In spite the delay.
- Do not use “that” after either phrase. You cannot say “despite that” or “in spite of that” to introduce a clause. Instead, use despite the fact that or in spite of the fact that.
- Position at the start or middle of a sentence. Both can begin a sentence (followed by a comma) or appear in the middle. Starting with despite is more formal and emphatic.
- Use “the fact that” for full clauses. If you need a subject and verb, add “the fact that.” Example: Despite the fact that he was late, he got the job.
How to Use It
Follow these simple steps to use despite and in spite of confidently.
Step 1: Choose your noun or gerund
Decide what contrast you want to show. The word after the phrase must be a noun (e.g., traffic), a pronoun (e.g., him), or a gerund (e.g., working). For example: Despite the traffic or In spite of working late.
Step 2: Place the phrase correctly
Put the phrase at the beginning of the sentence for emphasis, followed by a comma: Despite the cost, we bought the ticket. Or place it in the middle: We bought the ticket despite the cost. Both are correct; the beginning position sounds more formal.
Step 3: Add “the fact that” for clauses
If you want to use a full clause (subject + verb), add “the fact that.” Example: In spite of the fact that it was raining, we played football. This is wordier, so use it sparingly in conversation.
Step 4: Match the tone
Use despite in academic writing, essays, and formal emails. Use in spite of in everyday speech and informal writing. However, both are grammatically identical, so you can switch them without changing meaning.
Examples in Sentences
- Despite the heavy rain, the match continued.
- She passed the exam in spite of her lack of preparation.
- Despite being tired, he finished the marathon.
- They enjoyed the picnic in spite of the cold wind.
- Despite the fact that he was injured, he played on.
- We arrived on time in spite of the traffic jam.
- Despite his wealth, he lives modestly.
- She smiled in spite of her disappointment.
- Despite the warnings, they went swimming.
- He stayed calm in spite of the chaos around him.
- Despite having little money, she donated to charity.
- The project succeeded in spite of numerous setbacks.
Common Mistakes
Mistake 1: Using “despite of”
❌ Despite of the bad weather, we went out.
✅ Despite the bad weather, we went out.
Remember: despite stands alone. No “of.”
Mistake 2: Dropping “of” from “in spite of”
❌ In spite the pain, she continued.
✅ In spite of the pain, she continued.
Always keep the full phrase in spite of.
Mistake 3: Using a clause directly after the phrase
❌ Despite he was sick, he went to work.
✅ Despite being sick, he went to work. OR Despite the fact that he was sick, he went to work.
Use a gerund or add “the fact that.”
Mistake 4: Confusing with “although”
❌ Despite although it was late, we called him.
✅ Although it was late, we called him. OR Despite it being late, we called him.
Do not combine these. Choose one connector.
Mistake 5: Using “in spite” without a following phrase
❌ In spite, he finished the race.
✅ In spite of the pain, he finished the race.
The phrase needs an object after “of.”
Quick Summary
- Despite and in spite of mean the same thing and are interchangeable.
- Both are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund—never a full clause.
- Use despite the fact that or in spite of the fact that for clauses.
- Never write “despite of” or “in spite” alone.
- Place the phrase at the start (with a comma) or in the middle of a sentence.
- Choose despite for formal writing; in spite of for conversation.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with despite or in spite of (plus any necessary words). Answers are below.
- __________ the heat, the players kept running.
- She was happy __________ losing her phone.
- __________ the fact that he was nervous, he spoke clearly.
- They went camping __________ the forecast of storms.
- __________ having no experience, she got the job.
Answers
- Despite or In spite of the heat, the players kept running.
- She was happy despite / in spite of losing her phone.
- Despite / In spite of the fact that he was nervous, he spoke clearly.
- They went camping despite / in spite of the forecast of storms.
- Despite / In spite of having no experience, she got the job.
Conclusion
Mastering despite and in spite of will instantly make your English sound more natural and precise. Remember the golden rules: no “of” after despite, always keep “of” after in spite, and never follow either with a full clause. Practise these patterns daily, and soon you will use them without thinking—in essays, emails, and everyday chats.
FAQ
1. What is the difference between “despite” and “in spite of”?
There is no difference in meaning. Both express contrast and concession. The only subtle difference is tone: despite is slightly more formal and common in writing, while in spite of is used more in speech. You can swap them in any sentence without changing the meaning.
2. Can I use “despite” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, you can place despite + noun at the end of a sentence. For example: He went to work despite his illness. This is common and natural. However, if you start the sentence with despite, add a comma after the phrase: Despite his illness, he went to work.
3. Is “despite of” ever correct?
No, despite of is always incorrect in standard English. You must say despite alone. Some learners confuse this with in spite of, which does include “of.” If you catch yourself writing “despite of,” simply delete the “of.”
4. What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?
Despite is a preposition and is followed by a noun or gerund. Although is a conjunction and is followed by a full clause (subject + verb). For example: Despite being tired (noun/gerund) vs. Although he was tired (clause). You cannot say “despite he was tired” or “although being tired” in standard formal English.