Despite vs In Spite Of: The Definitive Guide (B1–B2)

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, unsure whether to write despite or in spite of? You are not alone. These two phrases are among the most confusing for English learners, yet they are essential for expressing contrast and concession naturally. In this guide, you will learn the simple rules, avoid the most common ESL errors, and discover when to use each in formal or informal writing.

What Is “Despite” vs “In Spite Of”?

Both despite and in spite of are prepositions used to show that something happened even though there was an obstacle or difficulty. They mean exactly the same thing: “without being affected by” or “even though.” For example, you can say Despite the rain, we played football or In spite of the rain, we played football. Both sentences are correct and interchangeable in meaning. The only real difference is style: in spite of is slightly more formal and wordy, while despite is shorter and more common in everyday speech and writing.

Rules

1. Always follow with a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb. Never use “despite” or “in spite of” with a full clause (subject + verb). Instead of despite it rained, you must say despite the rain or despite raining.
2. Never use “of” after “despite.” This is the most common error. You say despite (no “of”) but in spite of (with “of”).
3. Use “the fact that” to add a full clause. If you need to use a subject + verb, add “the fact that”: Despite the fact that it rained, we played. This works for both phrases.
4. Place them at the beginning or middle of a sentence. Both positions are correct. At the beginning, add a comma after the phrase. In the middle, no comma is needed.
5. Do not use “but” or “although” together with them. These are redundant. Say Despite being tired, she worked — not Although despite being tired…

How to Use It

Follow these simple steps to use both phrases correctly every time.

Step 1: Identify the noun or action. Decide what obstacle or difficulty you want to mention. For example, “the traffic” or “being late.”

Step 2: Choose your phrase. If you want a shorter, modern sound, pick despite. If you want a slightly more formal or emphatic tone, pick in spite of.

Step 3: Build the sentence. Place the phrase before the noun or -ing verb. Example: Despite the traffic, we arrived on time. Or: We arrived on time in spite of the traffic.

Step 4: For full clauses, add “the fact that.” Example: Despite the fact that we were late, we still got good seats. This is your go-to structure for complex ideas.

Step 5: Check for double negatives. Avoid using “not” immediately after these phrases unless you mean it. Say Despite not having money (correct) but not Despite no having money (incorrect).

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 cold wind.
• Despite the fact that the price was high, they bought the house.
• He smiled in spite of his disappointment.
• Despite having a broken leg, she danced at the wedding.
• The team won in spite of losing their best player.
• Despite the noise, the baby slept peacefully.
• We went hiking in spite of the fact that the forecast predicted rain.
• Despite all his efforts, he could not fix the car.
• She remained calm in spite of the chaos around her.

Common Mistakes

Here are the five most frequent errors ESL students make, with corrections.

❌ Despite of the rain, we went out.
✅ Despite the rain, we went out. (Never add “of” after despite.)

❌ In spite the rain, we went out.
✅ In spite of the rain, we went out. (Always include “of” in this phrase.)

❌ Despite it was raining, we went out.
✅ Despite the rain, we went out. OR Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out. (No full clause directly after despite.)

❌ Although despite being tired, she worked.
✅ Despite being tired, she worked. OR Although she was tired, she worked. (Use one connector only.)

❌ In spite of to be sick, he came to class.
✅ In spite of being sick, he came to class. (Use the -ing form, not the infinitive.)

Quick Summary

• Despite and in spite of are synonyms — both mean “even though.”
• Follow them with a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb.
• Add the fact that if you need a full clause.
• Despite is shorter and more common; in spite of is slightly more formal.
• Never say “despite of.”
• Never use “although” or “but” in the same clause.
• Use a comma when the phrase starts the sentence.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with either despite, in spite of, or despite/in spite of (both correct). Write your answers, then check below.

1. __________ the bad weather, the flight departed on time.
2. She accepted the job __________ having no experience.
3. __________ the fact that he was late, he was not punished.
4. They enjoyed the movie __________ its long running time.
5. __________ being scared, the child entered the dark room.

Answers:

1. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
2. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
3. Despite / In spite of (both correct — note “the fact that” is already there)
4. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
5. Despite / In spite of (both correct)

Tip: If you used “despite of” anywhere, review Rule 2 again. All five blanks accept either phrase because they are interchangeable.

Conclusion

Now you have the confidence to use despite and in spite of correctly in any sentence. Remember the golden rule: noun or -ing verb after, never a full clause, and never “despite of.” Practice with the exercises above, and soon these phrases will feel completely natural. For more grammar tips, explore other lessons on EnglishGrammarZone.com.

FAQ

1. Is “despite” more formal than “in spite of”?
No, actually the opposite. In spite of is slightly more formal and often appears in academic or official writing. Despite is shorter and more common in everyday conversation and modern media. However, both are perfectly acceptable in formal writing.

2. Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” at the end of a sentence?
Yes, but only if the noun or -ing phrase is clear from context. For example: “He was tired, but he went anyway despite that.” However, it is more natural to place them before the noun or verb phrase. Ending a sentence with “despite” alone is rare and sounds awkward.

3. What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?
Despite is a preposition and takes a noun or -ing form: Despite the rain. Although is a conjunction and takes a full clause: Although it rained. You cannot swap them directly. Use “despite the fact that” if you want a preposition with a clause.

4. How do I make a negative sentence with “despite”?
Put “not” before the -ing verb or noun. Example: Despite not having a ticket, he entered the concert. Or: In spite of not being invited, she came to the party. The “not” goes inside the phrase, not after “despite” itself.