Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, wondering whether to write despite, in spite of, or although? You are not alone. These three expressions all show contrast and concession, but they follow different grammar patterns. Getting them right will make your English sound more natural, precise, and professional. In this guide, you will learn the exact rules, see plenty of real-life examples, and avoid the most common traps that even advanced learners fall into.
What Is Contrast and Concession?
Before we dive into the words themselves, let’s clarify the concepts. Contrast shows a difference between two ideas. Concession is a specific type of contrast where you admit (concede) a point, but then you show that it does not change the main outcome. 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 are all connectors that express this relationship. However, they are not interchangeable in sentence structure. The biggest 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).
Rules
- Use despite + noun, pronoun, or -ing verb. Do not follow despite with a full clause (subject + verb). Example: Despite the rain, we played football.
- Use in spite of exactly like despite. They are synonyms. The only difference is that in spite of has three words. Example: In spite of the rain, we played football.
- Use although + subject + verb. This is a full clause. Example: Although it was raining, we played football.
- Never use of after despite. “Despite of” is a common error. It is always despite + noun, never despite of.
- Do not use but together with although in the same sentence. You can say “Although it was raining, we went out” OR “It was raining, but we went out.” Do not say “Although it was raining, but we went out.”
- You can use despite the fact that + full clause. If you really need a full clause after despite, add “the fact that.” Example: Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out.
- Comma placement matters. When the concession phrase comes first, use a comma. When it comes second, no comma is needed. Compare: Although I was tired, I finished the work. vs. I finished the work although I was tired.
- Use in spite of more often in formal writing. Both are correct, but in spite of can sound slightly more formal or emphatic in some contexts.
- You can use despite and in spite of with the fact that to introduce a clause. This is a useful alternative when you want to avoid a gerund.
- Remember that although can also be replaced by though or even though. Even though is stronger and more emphatic than although.
How to Use It
Follow these steps to choose the correct connector every time.
Step 1: Identify what follows
Look at the words after the blank. If you see a noun, a pronoun, or a verb with -ing, choose despite or in spite of. If you see a subject + verb, choose although.
Step 2: Check for “of”
If you choose despite, never add “of.” If you choose in spite of, always include “of.” This is the fastest way to spot errors.
Step 3: Decide on emphasis
If you want to emphasise the surprising contrast, use even though (a stronger version of although). For neutral contrast, use although. For a concise, formal tone, use despite + noun.
Step 4: Position in the sentence
You can start or end your sentence with any of these. Starting with the concession phrase creates more dramatic emphasis. Ending with it feels more natural in everyday speech.
Step 5: Practice with transformations
Take one idea and rewrite it three ways. For example: “She was sick. She came to work.” → Despite being sick, she came to work. → In spite of her sickness, she came to work. → Although she was sick, she came to work. This builds flexibility.
Examples in Sentences
- Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
- In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed the mountain.
- Although she was exhausted, she finished her homework.
- He passed the exam despite not studying much.
- We enjoyed the picnic in spite of the cold wind.
- Although the restaurant was expensive, the food was terrible.
- Despite the fact that it was midnight, the children were still awake.
- In spite of working full-time, she manages to exercise daily.
- Although I have lived here for years, I still get lost.
- They bought the house despite its poor condition.
- Even though he apologised, she remained angry.
- She speaks fluent French in spite of never visiting France.
- Despite the warnings, the hikers continued up the trail.
- Although the test was difficult, everyone passed.
- He went to work despite having a fever.
Common Mistakes
- ❌ Despite of the rain, we went out.
✅ Despite the rain, we went out. (Never use “of” after “despite.”) - ❌ Although it was raining, but we went out.
✅ Although it was raining, we went out. (Do not combine “although” with “but.”) - ❌ Despite he was tired, he continued.
✅ Although he was tired, he continued. OR Despite being tired, he continued. (Use a clause after “although,” not after “despite.”) - ❌ In spite of the weather was bad, we played.
✅ In spite of the bad weather, we played. OR In spite of the fact that the weather was bad, we played. (Use a noun or “the fact that” after “in spite of.”) - ❌ She came to class despite of her illness.
✅ She came to class in spite of her illness. OR She came to class despite her illness. (Choose one form, don’t mix them.)
Quick Summary
- Despite + noun / -ing / pronoun (no “of”).
- In spite of + noun / -ing / pronoun (always with “of”).
- Although + subject + verb (full clause).
- Despite the fact that + full clause is a valid alternative.
- Never combine although with but.
- Use a comma when the concession phrase starts the sentence.
- Even though is a stronger version of although.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with despite, in spite of, or although. Some sentences may have two correct answers.
- __________ the high price, the phone sold out quickly.
- __________ he was late, he didn’t apologise.
- She took the job __________ the long commute.
- __________ working overtime, he still couldn’t pay his bills.
- __________ it was freezing, they went swimming.
Answers
- Despite or In spite of (both correct – noun “the high price”).
- Although (full clause “he was late”).
- Despite or In spite of (noun “the long commute”).
- Despite or In spite of (gerund “working”).
- Although (full clause “it was freezing”).
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. With a little practice, these connectors will become second nature, and your writing will gain clarity and sophistication. Keep practising, and soon you will use them without even thinking.
FAQ
1. Can “despite” and “in spite of” be used interchangeably in all cases?
Yes, in almost all cases they are perfect synonyms. The only difference is register: in spite of can feel slightly more formal or old-fashioned in some contexts, but both are correct in written and spoken English. You can swap them freely without changing the meaning.
2. Is “despite of” ever correct?
No, never. “Despite” is a single preposition and does not take “of.” The correct forms are despite + noun or in spite of + noun. Saying “despite of” is a common error among learners and even some native speakers, but it is always incorrect in standard English.
3. What is the difference between “although” and “even though”?
Both are conjunctions that introduce a clause. Even though is stronger and more emphatic. It suggests that the contrast is more surprising or significant. For example, “Although it was hot, I wore a jacket” is neutral. “Even though it was hot, I wore a jacket” implies that wearing a jacket was especially unusual because of the heat.
4. Can I start a sentence with “despite”?
Absolutely. Starting a sentence with despite or in spite of is very common and often sounds more formal or dramatic. Just remember to place a comma after the introductory phrase