Despite vs In Spite Of vs Although: The Definitive Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say despite, in spite of, or although? You are not alone. These three expressions all show contrast, but they follow different grammar patterns. Getting them right will instantly make your English sound more natural and precise—whether you are writing an email, an essay, or just chatting with friends.

What Is Concession and Contrast?

In grammar, a concession clause is a part of a sentence that admits a fact or idea before presenting a contrasting point. For example: “Although it was raining, we went for a walk.” Here, the rain is the concession, and the walk is the contrast. Despite, in spite of, and although are the three most common linking words used to create this effect.

The key difference is simple: despite and in spite of are prepositions (followed by a noun or gerund), while although is a conjunction (followed by a subject + verb). Once you internalise this, the rest becomes easy.

Rules

1. Despite + noun/gerund: Use despite directly before a noun or an -ing verb. Example: “Despite the rain, we played football.”
2. In spite of + noun/gerund: This is a three-word preposition. It works exactly like despite. Example: “In spite of his age, he runs fast.”
3. Although + subject + verb: Use although before a full clause. Example: “Although he was tired, he kept working.”
4. No “of” after despite: Many learners write “despite of.” This is always incorrect. Say despite alone, or in spite of (with “of”).
5. Punctuation: When the concession clause comes first, place a comma after it. When it comes second, no comma is needed. Example: “We played football despite the rain.”
6. Formality: In spite of is slightly more formal than despite. Although is neutral and works in both speaking and writing.
7. Synonyms: You can also use though or even though in place of although, but “even though” adds stronger emphasis.

How to Use It: Step-by-Step

Step 1: Decide what you want to contrast

Think of two ideas that oppose each other. For example: “It was expensive” and “I bought it.”

Step 2: Choose your connector

If you want to use a noun or gerund, pick despite or in spite of. If you want a full clause, pick although.

Step 3: Build the sentence

• With despite: “Despite the high price, I bought it.”
• With in spite of: “In spite of the high price, I bought it.”
• With although: “Although it was expensive, I bought it.”

Step 4: Check the verb form after prepositions

After despite and in spite of, if you use a verb, it must be in the -ing form. Example: “Despite feeling tired, she finished the report.” Never write “Despite feel tired.”

Step 5: Practice switching between them

Take a sentence with although and convert it. Example: “Although he is rich, he is unhappy” → “Despite his wealth, he is unhappy.” Notice the noun change: “is rich” becomes “his wealth.”

Examples in Sentences

• Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
• She passed the exam in spite of not studying much.
• Although it was midnight, the children were still awake.
• Despite being exhausted, he went to the gym.
• In spite of the warnings, they swam in the sea.
• Although she speaks three languages, she finds English spelling hard.
• We enjoyed the picnic despite the cold wind.
• In spite of his success, he remains humble.
• Although the hotel was expensive, the service was poor.
• He kept smiling despite hearing the bad news.
• In spite of the fact that it was raining, they went hiking. (Note: “the fact that” + clause is a common pattern.)
• Although I had studied, I forgot the answer.

Common Mistakes

• ❌ 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. (You must include “of.”)
• ❌ Although the rain, we went out.
  ✅ Although it was raining, we went out. (Although needs a subject + verb.)
• ❌ Despite to feel tired, she worked.
  ✅ Despite feeling tired, she worked. (Use gerund after prepositions.)
• ❌ In spite of he is rich, he is unhappy.
  ✅ In spite of being rich, he is unhappy. OR In spite of his wealth, he is unhappy. (No subject + verb after “in spite of.”)

Quick Summary

• Despite = preposition + noun/gerund. No “of.”
• In spite of = preposition (3 words) + noun/gerund.
• Although = conjunction + subject + verb.
• All three show contrast, but their grammar structures differ.
• Use a comma when the concession clause starts the sentence.
• In spite of is more formal; although is neutral; despite is common in both.
• For a clause after “despite” or “in spite of,” use “the fact that”: e.g., “Despite the fact that he was ill…”

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with despite, in spite of, or although. Some sentences may have two correct answers.

1. __________ the cold weather, they went swimming.
2. __________ he was late, he didn’t apologise.
3. She accepted the job __________ the low salary.
4. __________ being tired, he finished the marathon.
5. __________ it was noisy, I managed to sleep.

Answers:

1. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
2. Although
3. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
4. Despite / In spite of (both correct)
5. Although

Conclusion

Mastering despite, in spite of, and although is a game-changer for your English fluency. Remember: prepositions take nouns/gerunds, conjunctions take full clauses. With a little practice, you will use them automatically—and your writing will shine with precise, natural contrast.

FAQ

1. Is “despite” more formal than “although”?

No, despite is neutral and works in most contexts. In spite of is slightly more formal, and although is also neutral. In academic writing, you will often see all three. Choose based on the grammar structure you need, not formality alone.

2. Can I use “despite” with a full clause?

No. Despite is a preposition, so it must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund. If you want to use a full clause, add “the fact that”: “Despite the fact that he was sick, he came.” Alternatively, switch to although: “Although he was sick, he came.”

3. What is the difference between “although” and “even though”?

They are grammatically identical. Even though adds stronger emphasis and often implies a greater surprise or contrast. For example, “Even though he had a broken leg, he won the race” sounds more dramatic than “Although he had a broken leg, he won the race.” Both are correct.

4. Can I start a sentence with “in spite of”?

Yes, absolutely. Starting a sentence with in spite of is common and correct. Just remember to place a comma after the prepositional phrase. Example: “In spite of the delay, we enjoyed the trip.” You can also place it at the end: “We enjoyed the trip in spite of the delay.”