Introduction
Do you ever pause mid-sentence, unsure whether to write in spite of or despite? You are not alone. These two phrases express contrast and concession, but they confuse even advanced English learners. The good news? The rule is simpler than you think. In this guide, you will learn the exact structure, avoid the most common ESL traps, and discover when to use each phrase in formal and informal contexts.
What Is “In Spite Of” vs “Despite”?
Both in spite of and despite are prepositions that mean “not affected by” or “regardless of.” They introduce a fact that makes the main clause surprising. For example:
- Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
- In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.
The meaning is identical. The only difference is style: despite is slightly more common in written English, while in spite of feels a touch more formal. Both are correct in any register, but you will rarely see “in spite of” in casual speech.
Rules
Follow these five rules to use these phrases perfectly every time.
- Always follow with a noun, pronoun, or gerund (-ing form). Never use a full clause (subject + verb) directly after them. Instead of “Despite he was tired,” write “Despite being tired” or “Despite his tiredness.”
- Never use “of” after “despite.” The phrase is simply “despite + noun.” Saying “despite of” is a serious grammar error.
- Use “in spite of” as three separate words. Do not write “inspite of” or “in spiteof.” The correct spelling is always three words.
- To connect two clauses, use “the fact that.” For example: “Despite the fact that it was raining, we played football.” This is the only way to add a full clause.
- These phrases are interchangeable in meaning. There is no difference in level of contrast. Choose based on sound and flow, not on meaning.
How to Use It
Follow this simple step-by-step method to build correct sentences.
Step 1: Identify the surprising result. Start with the main clause. Example: “She passed the exam.”
Step 2: Identify the obstacle or contrast. What made this surprising? “She had very little time to study.”
Step 3: Convert the obstacle into a noun or gerund. “Having very little time to study” or “her lack of study time.”
Step 4: Place the phrase at the beginning or middle. Beginning: “Despite having very little time to study, she passed the exam.” Middle: “She passed the exam despite having very little time to study.”
Step 5: Add “the fact that” if you must keep a full clause. “Despite the fact that she had very little time to study, she passed the exam.” This works but is wordier, so use it sparingly.
Pro tip: Put the contrast phrase first to create dramatic emphasis. Put it second for a more neutral, flowing sentence.
Examples in Sentences
Here are 12 natural sentences. Notice the bolded grammar point.
- Despite the heavy traffic, we arrived on time.
- In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed the tower.
- She smiled despite feeling nervous.
- They enjoyed the picnic in spite of the cold wind.
- Despite the fact that the hotel was expensive, the service was poor.
- In spite of working overtime, he could not finish the project.
- He stayed calm despite the chaos around him.
- Despite being a beginner, she played the piano beautifully.
- We went hiking in spite of the warning about bears.
- Despite the noise, the baby slept peacefully.
- She accepted the job in spite of the low salary.
- Despite the evidence, the jury had doubts.
Common Mistakes
Even advanced learners make these errors. Check each one carefully.
❌ Despite of the rain, we played tennis.
✅ Despite the rain, we played tennis.
Never add “of” after despite.
❌ Inspite of his age, he ran fast.
✅ In spite of his age, he ran fast.
Remember: three separate words.
❌ Despite he was sick, he went to work.
✅ Despite being sick, he went to work.
✅ Despite the fact that he was sick, he went to work.
No full clause after despite.
❌ In spite of the weather was bad, we traveled.
✅ In spite of the bad weather, we traveled.
✅ In spite of the fact that the weather was bad, we traveled.
Convert the clause into a noun phrase.
❌ Despite to be tired, she kept studying.
✅ Despite being tired, she kept studying.
Use gerund, not infinitive.
Quick Summary
- Despite = no “of.” In spite of = three words.
- Both are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
- To use a full clause, add “the fact that.”
- They are interchangeable in meaning.
- Use “despite” for slightly more concise, modern writing.
- Use “in spite of” for a more formal, traditional tone.
- Never use “despite of” or “inspite of” — these are always wrong.
Practice Exercises
Fill in the blanks with “despite” or “in spite of” (and any necessary words). Answers are below.
- __________ the late hour, the children were still playing.
- He passed the interview __________ having no experience.
- __________ the fact that it was snowing, we drove to the mountains.
- She looked beautiful __________ wearing no makeup.
- __________ his best efforts, he failed the test.
Answers:
- Despite / In spite of
- despite / in spite of
- Despite / In spite of
- despite / in spite of
- In spite of / Despite
All answers are interchangeable. Did you remember the “of” after “in spite”? And no “of” after “despite”? Perfect.
Conclusion
Now you can confidently use in spite of and despite to express contrast and concession. Remember the golden rules: no “of” after despite, three words for in spite of, and always follow with a noun or gerund. Practice these patterns in your writing, and soon they will feel completely natural.
FAQ
Q1: Can I use “despite” and “in spite of” at the start of a sentence?
Yes, absolutely. Starting a sentence with either phrase is grammatically correct and common. Add a comma after the phrase when it comes first. Example: “Despite the cost, we booked the flight.” This structure adds emphasis to the contrast.
Q2: What is the difference between “despite” and “although”?
This is a key distinction. “Although” is a conjunction and introduces a full clause (subject + verb). Example: “Although he was tired, he worked.” “Despite” is a preposition and takes a noun or gerund. Example: “Despite being tired, he worked.” You cannot say “Despite he was tired.” Use “despite the fact that he was tired” if you need a clause.
Q3: Is “in spite of” more formal than “despite”?
Both are acceptable in formal writing, but “in spite of” can sound slightly more formal or traditional. In academic papers, “despite” is often preferred because it is shorter and more direct. In speeches or formal letters, “in spite of” adds a rhetorical weight. Choose based on the rhythm of your sentence.
Q4: Can I use “despite” with a verb in the past tense?
Not directly. You cannot write “Despite he ran fast.” Instead, use a gerund: “Despite running fast” or “Despite having run fast.” Alternatively, use “despite the fact that he ran fast.” The gerund form is more elegant and is the preferred choice in both spoken and written English.