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

Introduction

Do you ever freeze mid-sentence, wondering 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 form and tone confuse even advanced learners. In this guide, you will learn exactly how to use them correctly in both formal and informal English, avoid the most common ESL traps, and test yourself with practical exercises.

What Is “Despite” vs “In Spite Of”?

Both despite and in spite of are prepositions that introduce a contrast between two ideas. They mean “without being affected by” or “even though.” For example, Despite the rain, we went hiking and In spite of the rain, we went hiking are identical in meaning. The key difference? Despite is slightly more formal and concise, while in spite of feels a bit more conversational and wordy. However, both are perfectly acceptable in written and spoken English at the B1–B2 level.

Rules

Follow these numbered rules to avoid errors every time:

1. Always use a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb after them. You cannot use a full clause (subject + verb) directly. Say despite the delay or despite being late, not despite we were late.
2. Never write “despite of.” This is a common mistake. The correct forms are despite (no “of”) and in spite of (with “of”).
3. Use “the fact that” to add a full clause. If you need a subject + verb, add the fact that: despite the fact that he was tired or in spite of the fact that she left early.
4. Place them at the beginning or middle of a sentence. Both positions are correct. At the start, add a comma after the phrase; in the middle, no comma is usually needed.
5. Do not confuse them with “although” or “though.” Those words introduce full clauses directly (e.g., Although he was tired), while despite and in spite of need a noun or -ing form.

How to Use It

Here is a step-by-step method to build correct sentences:

Step 1: Identify the contrast. Think of two ideas that seem opposite. Example: “It was raining” and “We played football.”

Step 2: Choose your phrase. For formal writing, pick despite. For casual conversation or informal emails, in spite of works well.

Step 3: Turn one idea into a noun or -ing verb. Instead of “it was raining,” say the rain (noun) or raining (-ing verb).

Step 4: Combine. Put the phrase at the start or middle. Example: Despite the rain, we played football. Or: We played football despite the rain.

Step 5: Need a full clause? Add the fact that. Example: Despite the fact that it was raining, we played football.

Examples in Sentences

Here are 10+ natural examples. The grammar point is bolded for clarity:

• Despite the heavy traffic, she arrived on time.
• He passed the exam in spite of not studying much.
• Despite being exhausted, the team finished the project.
• They enjoyed the picnic in spite of the cold wind.
• Despite his fear of heights, he climbed the ladder.
• In spite of the high price, the phone sold out quickly.
• Despite the fact that she was new, she led the meeting.
• We went for a walk in spite of the dark clouds.
• Despite repeated warnings, he ignored the advice.
• She smiled in spite of feeling nervous.
• Despite the noise, the baby slept peacefully.
• He accepted the job in spite of the long commute.

Common Mistakes

Avoid these frequent ESL errors:

• ❌ 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” after “in spite.”)
• ❌ Despite he was tired, he worked.
  ✅ Despite being tired, he worked. (Use -ing form, not a clause.)
• ❌ In spite of we were late, we joined the call.
  ✅ In spite of the fact that we were late, we joined the call. (Add “the fact that” before a clause.)
• ❌ Despite of the fact that it rained…
  ✅ Despite the fact that it rained… (Again, no “of” after despite.)

Quick Summary

• Despite = no “of,” more formal, concise.
• In spite of = always with “of,” slightly more informal.
• Both are followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb.
• For a full clause, use the fact that after either phrase.
• Place them at the beginning (with comma) or in the middle (no comma).
• Do not confuse them with although or though, which take full clauses directly.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with despite or in spite of (choose the correct form). Answers are below.

1. __________ the cold weather, they swam in the lake.
2. She finished the race __________ being injured.
3. __________ of the warnings, he drove too fast.
4. We enjoyed the trip __________ the fact that it rained daily.
5. __________ his busy schedule, he called his mother every day.

Answers:

1. Despite (or In spite of) the cold weather…
2. …despite (or in spite of) being injured.
3. In spite of the warnings… (Only “in spite of” works here because you need “of.”)
4. …despite (or in spite of) the fact that…
5. Despite (or In spite of) his busy schedule…

Conclusion

Now you know the simple secret: despite drops the “of,” and in spite of keeps it, but both need a noun or -ing form. Practice these patterns daily, and soon you will use them automatically in essays, emails, and conversations. For more grammar confidence, explore our other guides on contrast connectors like although and whereas.

FAQ

1. Is “despite” more formal than “in spite of”?
Yes, slightly. Despite is more common in academic and professional writing because it is shorter and more direct. In spite of is perfectly correct but often appears in everyday speech and informal writing. Both are acceptable in formal contexts, but for a concise style, choose despite.

2. Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” interchangeably?
In most cases, yes. They have the same meaning and grammar. The only exception is that you must never write despite of. If you are unsure, test the sentence: replace one with the other—if it still sounds natural, you are using it correctly.

3. What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?
Although is a conjunction that introduces a full clause (subject + verb), e.g., Although he was tired, he worked. Despite is a preposition that takes a noun or -ing form, e.g., Despite being tired, he worked. You cannot say Despite he was tired. To use despite with a clause, add the fact that.

4. Do I need a comma after “despite” or “in spite of” at the start of a sentence?
Yes. When the phrase begins the sentence, place a comma after the entire phrase, before the main clause. Example: Despite the rain, we went out. If the phrase appears in the middle, no comma is needed: We went out despite the rain.