Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, unsure whether to write despite, in spite of, or although? You are not alone. These three expressions are among the most confusing for ESL learners, yet they are essential for showing contrast and concession in both writing and speaking. In this guide, you will learn the simple rules that separate them, avoid the most common traps, and practise with 25 real-life examples that will make your English sound natural and precise.
What Is Contrast and Concession?
Before we dive into the words themselves, let us clarify the concept. Contrast shows a difference between two ideas. Concession is a specific type of contrast where you admit (concede) a point, but then show that it does not change the main result. For example: “It was raining, but we went for a walk.” The rain is the concession; the walk is the main action.
Despite, in spite of, and although all express concession, but they follow different grammar patterns. The key difference is simple: despite and in spite of are prepositions (followed by a noun or -ing form), while although is a conjunction (followed by a subject + verb). Once you internalise this, you have won half the battle.
Rules
Here are the golden rules for using these three expressions correctly. Follow them, and you will never hesitate again.
- Despite + noun / pronoun / -ing verb. Do not use “of” after despite. It is a single preposition. Example: Despite the rain, we played football.
- In spite of + noun / pronoun / -ing verb. This is a three-word preposition. It always includes “of”. Example: In spite of his age, he runs fast.
- Although + subject + verb. This is a subordinating conjunction. It introduces a full clause. Example: Although he was tired, he finished the work.
- Despite and in spite of are interchangeable. They have exactly the same meaning and register. Choose whichever sounds better in the sentence.
- Although can start or end a sentence. When it starts, use a comma after the clause. When it ends, no comma is needed before it. Example: Although it was late, she called me. / She called me although it was late.
- Never use “although” with a noun alone. You cannot say “Although the rain”. You must say “Although it rained” or “Despite the rain”.
- Never use “despite of”. This is a very common error. Always say “despite” alone or “in spite of”.
- You can use “the fact that” after despite or in spite of. This allows you to use a full clause. Example: Despite the fact that he was ill, he attended the meeting.
- Formal vs informal. All three are acceptable in both formal and informal English. However, in spite of can sound slightly more formal in some contexts. Do not worry about this too much at B1-B2 level.
- Punctuation. When the concession clause comes first, use a comma. When it comes second, do not use a comma. Example: Despite the cost, we bought it. / We bought it despite the cost.
How to Use It
Follow this simple step-by-step process to choose the correct expression every time. It takes less than five seconds once you practise.
Step 1: Decide what follows the expression
Look at the words after the blank. Is there a noun, a pronoun, or an -ing verb? If yes, you need despite or in spite of. Is there a subject + verb (a full clause)? If yes, you need although.
Step 2: Choose your preposition
If you need a preposition, pick despite or in spite of. They are identical in meaning, so your choice is based on style. Many writers prefer despite for brevity. Example: Despite the noise, she slept. / In spite of the noise, she slept. Both are correct.
Step 3: If you need a clause, use although
If you have a subject and a verb, use although. Example: Although she was tired, she went to the gym. Remember, you can also use “even though” for extra emphasis, but that is a separate topic.
Step 4: Add “the fact that” for flexibility
Sometimes you want to use a full clause but prefer the structure of despite. In that case, add “the fact that”. Example: Despite the fact that she was tired, she went to the gym. This is grammatically perfect and very common in academic writing.
Step 5: Check your punctuation
Place a comma after the concession phrase or clause if it begins the sentence. If it ends the sentence, no comma is needed. Read your sentence aloud. If it sounds natural, you have done it correctly.
Examples in Sentences
Here are 15 examples using all three expressions. Pay attention to the bolded grammar point and the structure that follows it.
- Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
- She passed the exam in spite of not studying much.
- Although he is rich, he lives very simply.
- Despite being tired, he continued working.
- We enjoyed the picnic in spite of the cold wind.
- Although the food was spicy, she ate everything.
- Despite his best efforts, he failed the driving test.
- They got married in spite of their families’ objections.
- Although it was expensive, I bought the jacket.
- Despite the fact that it was raining, we went hiking.
- He stayed positive in spite of losing his job.
- Although she speaks three languages, she wants to learn more.
- Despite the warning, the children played near the water.
- She finished the marathon in spite of her injury.
- Although the hotel was cheap, it was very clean.
Common Mistakes
Here are the five most frequent errors ESL learners make. Avoid them, and your English will instantly sound more professional.
- Mistake 1: Using “despite of”
❌ Despite of the rain, we went out.
✅ Despite the rain, we went out.
✅ In spite of the rain, we went out. - Mistake 2: Using “although” with a noun
❌ Although the rain, we went out.
✅ Although it rained, we went out.
✅ Despite the rain, we went out. - Mistake 3: Forgetting “of” in “in spite of”
❌ In spite the cost, we booked the trip.
✅ In spite of the cost, we booked the trip. - Mistake 4: Using “despite” with a full clause without “the fact that”
❌ Despite he was sick, he came to class.
✅ Despite the fact that he was sick, he came to class.
✅ Although he was sick, he came to class. - Mistake 5: Adding “but” in the same sentence
❌ Although he was tired, but he finished.
✅ Although he was tired, he finished.
✅ He was tired, but he finished.
Quick Summary
- Despite = preposition. Follow with a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb. No “of”.
- In spite of = preposition. Follow with a noun, pronoun, or -ing verb. Always includes “of”.
- Although = conjunction. Follow with a subject + verb (full clause).
- Despite and in spite of are interchangeable in meaning.
- To use a full clause after despite or in spite of, add “the fact that”.
- Use a comma when the concession comes first in the sentence.
- Never combine although with “but” in the same sentence.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with despite, in spite of, or although. Some sentences may have more than one correct answer. Answers are below.
- __________ the bad weather, the flight landed safely.
- __________ he was nervous, he gave a great presentation.
- She accepted the job __________ the low salary.
- __________ being busy, she called her mother every day.
- __________ the fact that it was late, the children were still awake.
Answers:
- Despite / In spite of (both correct)
- Although
- Despite / In spite of (both correct)
- Despite / In spite of (both correct)
- Despite / In spite of (both correct)
Conclusion
Now you have the complete toolkit for using despite, in spite of, and although correctly. Remember the golden rule: prepositions for nouns, conjunctions for clauses. Practise these patterns daily, and soon you will use them automatically without thinking. Your writing will become more sophisticated, and your speaking will sound more fluent and confident.
FAQ
1. Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” interchangeably in any sentence?
Yes, in almost all cases they are completely interchangeable. They have the same meaning and the same grammatical structure. The only minor difference is that some people feel “in spite of” sounds slightly more formal or emphatic. In everyday conversation, “despite” is more common because it is shorter. In academic writing, both are used equally. There is no rule that forces you to choose one over the other.
2. What is the difference between “although” and “even though”?
The grammar is identical: both are conjunctions followed by a subject and verb. The difference is emphasis. “Even though” is stronger and shows more surprise or contrast. For example, “Although he was tired, he worked” is neutral. “Even though he was exhausted, he worked all night” shows greater contrast. At B1-B2 level, you can use “even though” whenever you want to emphasise the concession.
3. Is “despite of” ever correct in English?
No, “despite of” is always incorrect