Despite vs In Spite Of vs Although: The Complete Guide

Introduction

Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to say despite, in spite of, or although? You are not alone. These three connectors are among the most confusing points in English grammar, even for advanced learners. The good news? Once you understand the simple pattern behind them, you will use them with total confidence. In this guide, you will learn the exact sentence structure for each one, see the most frequent ESL errors, and test yourself with five practice exercises.

What Is Contrast and Concession?

In grammar, contrast shows a difference between two ideas. Concession goes one step further: it shows that one idea is true, but the other idea is surprising or unexpected because of it. For example:

• Contrast: “He is rich, but she is poor.”
• Concession: “He is rich, although he works very little.”

Despite, in spite of, and although are all used to express concession. They say: “This fact is true, and that fact is also true, but you would not expect them together.” The key difference is not meaning—it is grammar. These three words behave differently in a sentence, and that is exactly what we will master today.

Rules

Here are the golden rules for using these three connectors correctly. Learn these, and you will avoid 90% of common mistakes.

1. Although is a subordinating conjunction. It must be followed by a full clause (subject + verb). Example: “Although it rained, we went out.”
2. Despite and in spite of are prepositions. They must be followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form). They cannot be followed by a full clause. Example: “Despite the rain, we went out.”
3. In spite of is always three words. Never write “inspite of” or “in spite off.” It is a fixed expression.
4. Despite is one word. Never write “despite of.” That is a very common error. Just “despite” + noun.
5. You can use “the fact that” after despite or in spite of. This is the trick to connect them to a full clause. Example: “Despite the fact that it rained, we went out.”
6. Although can start a sentence or come in the middle. When it starts, use a comma after the clause. When it is in the middle, no comma is needed. Example: “Although it rained, we went out.” / “We went out although it rained.”
7. Despite and in spite of are interchangeable. There is no difference in meaning or formality. Choose whichever sounds better to you.
8. Do not use “but” and “although” together in the same sentence. It is redundant. Say “Although it rained, we went out” NOT “Although it rained, but we went out.”

How to Use It

Follow this simple step-by-step method to choose the right word every time.

Step 1: Look at what follows the connector

Ask yourself: “What comes next? A full clause or just a noun/verb-ing?” If it is a full clause (subject + verb), use although. If it is a noun or gerund, use despite or in spite of.

Step 2: If you want to use despite with a full clause, add “the fact that”

This is your magic formula: despite + the fact that + full clause. Same for in spite of. This keeps the grammar correct and sounds very natural.

Step 3: Choose your sentence position

You can place although at the beginning (with a comma) or in the middle (no comma). For despite and in spite of, the same rule applies: at the beginning, add a comma after the phrase; in the middle, no comma.

Step 4: Practice the pattern with these formulas

• Although + subject + verb, + main clause.
• Despite / In spite of + noun, + main clause.
• Despite / In spite of + gerund (-ing), + main clause.
• Despite / In spite of + the fact that + subject + verb, + main clause.

Let us see these in action. Compare these three sentences that all mean the same thing:

• Although she was tired, she finished the report.
• Despite being tired, she finished the report.
• In spite of her tiredness, she finished the report.

Examples in Sentences

Here are 12 natural sentences. Pay attention to the bolded grammar point and the structure that follows it.

• Although he studied hard, he failed the exam.
• She went to work despite having a high fever.
• In spite of the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
• Although the hotel was expensive, the service was terrible.
• He accepted the job despite the low salary.
• In spite of feeling nervous, she gave a brilliant presentation.
• Although it was raining, the children played outside.
• They continued the hike despite the storm warnings.
• In spite of the fact that he is young, he is very experienced.
• Although I have lived here for years, I still get lost.
• She bought the dress despite its high price.
• In spite of working overtime, he never complains.

Common Mistakes

Here are the five most frequent errors ESL learners make, with corrections. Learn these to sound like a native speaker.

• ❌ Despite of the rain, we went out.
  ✅ Despite the rain, we went out. (Never add “of” after despite.)
• ❌ Inspite of his help, I failed.
  ✅ In spite of his help, I failed. (Always three separate words.)
• ❌ Although it was late, but she called me.
  ✅ Although it was late, she called me. (Never use “but” with “although.”)
• ❌ Despite he was sick, he came to class.
  ✅ Despite being sick, he came to class. OR Despite the fact that he was sick, he came to class. (Despite needs a noun or gerund, not a clause.)
• ❌ In spite of the traffic but we arrived early.
  ✅ In spite of the traffic, we arrived early. (Do not add “but” after these phrases.)

Quick Summary

• Although + full clause (subject + verb).
• Despite + noun, pronoun, or gerund.
• In spite of + noun, pronoun, or gerund (always three words).
• To use despite/in spite of with a clause, add “the fact that.”
• Never say “despite of” or “inspite of.”
• Never combine “although” or “despite” with “but.”
• Use a comma when the connector starts the sentence.
• All three mean the same thing—only the grammar differs.

Practice Exercises

Fill in the blanks with the correct word: although, despite, or in spite of. Sometimes more than one answer is possible. Answers are below.

1. __________ the cold weather, we went swimming.
2. __________ he was exhausted, he kept working.
3. She passed the test __________ studying very little.
4. __________ the fact that it was expensive, he bought it.
5. We enjoyed the picnic __________ it rained.

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

Did you get them all? If not, go back to the Rules section and review the pattern. Practice these five sentences out loud, and then create five of your own.

Conclusion

Mastering despite, in spite of, and although comes down to one simple question: what follows the connector? A clause means although; a noun or gerund means despite or in spite of. With the rules, examples, and exercises above, you now have everything you need to use these connectors accurately and naturally. Keep practicing, and soon this choice will feel automatic.

FAQ

1. Is “in spite of” more formal than “despite”?

No, they are completely interchangeable in meaning and formality. Both are used in everyday speech and in formal writing. Some style guides prefer “despite” for brevity, but there is no grammatical or stylistic rule that makes one more formal. Choose whichever feels more natural to you.

2. Can I use “although” and “despite” in the same sentence?

Yes, but not to express the same contrast. You can combine them in complex sentences. For example: “Although he was tired, he finished the race despite his injury.” Here, “although” introduces one concessive clause, and “despite” introduces a second one. Just never use them together to modify the same idea (e.g., “Although despite…”).

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

“Though” is a less formal version of “although” and can be used in the same way. However, “though” can also come at the end of a sentence to mean “however.” Example: “It was raining. We went out, though.” You cannot use “although” like this. For B1–B2 learners, treat “though” as the casual twin of “although.”

4. Can I use “despite” with a verb in the -ing form always?

Yes, but the -ing form must act as a gerund (a noun-like verb). For example: “Despite running late, she stopped for coffee.” Here, “running” is a gerund. However, if you want to use a specific person as the subject of that action, you should use “despite + the fact that + clause” or “although + clause.” Example: “Despite her running late” is acceptable, but “Despite she ran late” is wrong. Use “Despite the fact that she ran late” for clarity.