Module code: 638

Understanding the Difference: Despite vs In spite of

📖 Reading time: 8 minutes | Level: A2-B2

Why This Matters

Despite and in spite of are essential for expressing contrast in English, but learners frequently make errors that sound unnatural or confusing to native speakers. The most common mistake is adding 'of' after 'despite' (saying 'despite of'), which is grammatically incorrect. Another frequent error is following these prepositions with a complete clause instead of a noun phrase, leading to sentences like 'despite he was tired' instead of 'despite being tired.' These mistakes can make your writing seem less professional and can sometimes obscure your intended meaning, especially in academic or business contexts where precision matters.

⚠️ Common Mistakes:

Adding 'of' after 'despite' → 'despite of' is always wrong
Using a clause directly after despite/in spite of instead of a noun phrase
Omitting 'of' from 'in spite of' → saying 'in spite' alone
Confusing these prepositions with conjunctions like 'although' or 'even though'

🎯 By the end of this lesson, you'll be able to use 'despite' and 'in spite of' correctly in all contexts, avoid the most common errors, and choose the appropriate form based on formality level.

Practice: Choose the Correct Expression

Read each sentence carefully and select the most appropriate word or expression to complete it.

Question 1general/casual

_____ the bad weather, we went hiking in the mountains.

Question 2academic/formal

_____ being very tired, she continued working on the project.

Question 3general/casual

_____ the fact that it was raining, we played football outside.

Question 4business/formal

The project succeeded _____ we had limited resources.

Question 5professional/formal

_____ his lack of experience, he performed exceptionally well in the interview.

Question 6professional/neutral

_____ working hard, he didn't get the promotion he wanted.

Question 7academic/formal

_____ the difficulties, she completed the course successfully.

Question 8general/casual

_____ I told him many times, he kept forgetting the password.

Question 9academic/formal

The research findings were significant _____ the small sample size.

Question 10business/formal

_____ our best efforts, the shipment arrived late.

Question 11casual/neutral

She enjoyed the vacation _____ the occasional rain showers.

Question 12academic/neutral

_____ having studied extensively, she felt nervous about the exam.

Question 13news/formal

The team won the championship _____ several key players being injured.

Question 14business/formal

_____ the high costs involved, the company decided to proceed with the expansion.

Question 15casual/idiomatic

I really enjoyed the movie _____ myself—I thought it would be boring!

Question 16general/neutral

_____ everything that happened, they remained close friends.

📝 Connected Practice Passages

Passage 1

Dear Mr. Johnson, I am writing to inform you that our best efforts, the shipment will be delayed. we contacted the supplier multiple times, they could not expedite the process. this is unfortunate, we are working on alternative solutions and will keep you updated.

🔑 Key Learning: Notice how formal business writing requires careful attention to whether you're introducing a noun phrase (despite/in spite of) or a complete clause (although/while).

Passage 2

Last weekend was quite an adventure! being really tired from work, I decided to go to the party anyway. my low expectations, it turned out to be really fun. the music was too loud at times, I had a great time catching up with old friends.

🔑 Key Learning: In casual conversation or informal writing, you still need to distinguish between noun phrases (despite/in spite of) and clauses (although/though). The formality changes, but the grammar rules remain the same.

Passage 3

Climate change remains a critical global challenge. numerous international agreements, carbon emissions continue to rise. scientists have warned about the consequences for decades, many governments have been slow to act. the fact that public awareness has increased, substantial behavioral changes remain elusive.

🔑 Key Learning: Academic writing often uses 'despite' for conciseness and formality. The phrase 'despite the fact that' allows you to introduce a clause while maintaining formal style. Notice how this passage alternates between different contrast structures for variety.

Passage 4

Just finished my first marathon! the pain in my legs, I feel absolutely amazing right now. I only trained for three months, I managed to finish in under four hours. everyone said I couldn’t do it, here I am with my medal!

🔑 Key Learning: Even in casual social media posts, the grammar rules remain: use 'despite/in spite of' with noun phrases, and use 'although/even though' with clauses. The informal context doesn't change these fundamental structures.

📚 Deep Dives

Deep Dive: Despite

Core meaning: A preposition meaning 'without being affected by' or 'although something exists or happens'. Used to show contrast between two facts or situations.

📖 Grammar

⚡ Important: Despite is a preposition, not a conjunction. It must be followed by a noun phrase, not a clause with a subject and verb. To introduce a clause, use 'despite the fact that' or switch to 'although'.

🔗 Common Collocations

despite the fact thatdespite this/thatdespite everythingdespite all effortsdespite whatdespite beingdespite having

Register: Formal to neutral – preferred in academic and professional writing for its conciseness

💡 Tip: Remember: 'despite' stands alone (one word, no 'of'). Think 'de-spite' = removing spite/obstacles, but continuing anyway.

⚠️ Confusion Alert: The most common error is adding 'of' after 'despite'. Also, don't confuse 'despite' (preposition) with 'although' (conjunction). Despite takes noun phrases; although takes clauses.

Deep Dive: In spite of

Core meaning: A three-word prepositional phrase meaning exactly the same as 'despite'. Used to show that something happens or is true even though there is something that might prevent it.

📖 Grammar

⚡ Important: The phrase 'in spite of' is inseparable. Never omit 'of'. The reflexive form 'in spite of myself/yourself' is idiomatic and means 'contrary to my expectations or intentions'.

🔗 Common Collocations

in spite of the fact thatin spite of this/thatin spite of everythingin spite of allin spite of whatin spite of beingin spite of myself/himself/herself/yourself

Register: Neutral – works in both formal and informal contexts, slightly more common in spoken English

💡 Tip: Remember the three words: IN + SPITE + OF (all required). The reflexive form 'in spite of myself' is unique to this phrase.

⚠️ Confusion Alert: Don't drop the 'of' – 'in spite' alone is incomplete. While interchangeable with 'despite' in most contexts, only 'in spite of' forms the reflexive idiom 'in spite of myself/yourself'.

🎯 Using Them Together

Despite and in spite of are completely interchangeable in meaning, but there are subtle differences in usage. Here's how to decide which to use:

Decision Flowchart

❓ Are you writing formally (academic paper, business report)?

✅ If yes: Prefer DESPITE (more concise)

↓ If no: Continue

❓ Are you using the reflexive form (myself/yourself/himself)?

✅ If yes: Must use IN SPITE OF (only option for this idiom)

↓ If no: Continue

❓ Are you speaking or writing casually?

✅ If yes: Either works, but IN SPITE OF is slightly more common in speech

↓ If no: Continue

❓ Do you need to introduce a clause?

✅ If yes: Use 'despite/in spite of + THE FACT THAT' OR switch to ALTHOUGH

↓ If no: Either DESPITE or IN SPITE OF works with noun phrases

Example Using All Terms:

The conference was a success DESPITE several challenges. IN SPITE OF the keynote speaker canceling at the last minute, we found an excellent replacement. DESPITE THE FACT THAT attendance was lower than expected, the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. I enjoyed organizing it IN SPITE OF MYSELF—I had been dreading the responsibility. ALTHOUGH we faced technical difficulties, DESPITE these setbacks, the event achieved its goals.

Why Each Term Works:

DESPITE several challenges: formal, concise, followed by noun phrase
IN SPITE OF the keynote speaker canceling: neutral, followed by noun phrase with gerund
DESPITE THE FACT THAT: formal way to introduce a clause after 'despite'
IN SPITE OF MYSELF: idiomatic reflexive form (only possible with 'in spite of')
ALTHOUGH we faced: conjunction introducing a clause
DESPITE these setbacks: preposition with noun phrase, formal and concise

Quick Reference Card

despite

One-word preposition for contrast (no 'of')

✓ despite + noun phrase/gerund OR despite the fact that + clause

✗ NEVER 'despite of' – NEVER followed by clause directly

in spite of

Three-word phrase, same meaning as 'despite'

✓ in spite of + noun phrase/gerund OR in spite of the fact that + clause

✗ NEVER 'in spite' alone – must include 'of'

💡 Final Tip: Key rules: (1) Never 'despite of' – always wrong. (2) Never 'in spite' alone – incomplete. (3) Both are prepositions – follow with noun phrases, not clauses. (4) To introduce a clause: add 'the fact that' OR switch to 'although'. (5) Reflexive idiom 'in spite of myself' only uses 'in spite of', never 'despite'.

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