Despite and in spite of have the same meaning: they show that something happens even though another fact might make you expect the opposite. Both are followed by a noun, pronoun or -ing form—not directly by a full clause.
What follows despite and in spite of?
Use either expression before a noun or pronoun:
- Despite the delay, the train arrived before noon.
- In spite of her warning, he touched the hot pan.
You can also use an -ing form:
- Despite feeling nervous, Maya gave her presentation.
- In spite of working late, we finished the report.
The -ing phrase usually describes the subject of the main clause. In the first example, Maya is the person who felt nervous. If you need to name a different person, use a possessive or object pronoun before the -ing form, or make the subject clear in a clause: Despite his feeling unwell, Leo came to work; more naturally, Despite the fact that he felt unwell, Leo came to work.
Don’t put a full clause directly after them
A full clause has a subject and a verb. This is not standard:
- Incorrect: Despite it was raining, we went for a walk.
Use although or even though before a full clause:
- Although it was raining, we went for a walk.
Or add the fact that after despite or in spite of:
- Despite the fact that it was raining, we went for a walk.
The longer version is grammatical, but although is often simpler.
Is it “despite of” or “in spite”?
Use despite without of, or in spite of with of:
- Despite the noise, I could concentrate.
- In spite of the noise, I could concentrate.
Despite of the noise is incorrect. Also keep the words together in the expression in spite of.
The two expressions are interchangeable in most situations. Choose the one that sounds natural in your sentence; neither is generally more formal or stronger than the other.
Quick check
Check your understanding
The outdoor concert went ahead the strong wind. (Use despite or in spite of.)
the shop was crowded, the cashier served everyone quickly. (Use although, despite, or in spite of.)
having little time, Noor checked every number in the report. (Use despite or in spite of.)
Answers and explanations
despite · Also accepted: in spite of
Both expressions can come before a noun phrase and show an unexpected contrast.
Although
A full clause follows the blank, so use although. Despite and in spite of cannot directly introduce a full clause.
Despite · Also accepted: in spite of
Both expressions can be followed by an -ing form.
