Key Difference

Both “in spite of” and “despite” mean “even though” or “regardless of,” and they introduce contrasting information in a sentence. They are often interchangeable, but there are subtle preferences in usage that can make your writing sound smoother.

1. Using “In Spite Of”

• Definition: “In spite of” introduces a contrast or an unexpected result.
• Structure: “In spite of” is typically followed by a noun or a gerund (the “-ing” form of a verb).
• Examples:
  • “In spite of the rain, they continued their picnic.” (Even though it rained, they still had a picnic.)
  • “In spite of feeling tired, she finished her project.” (She was tired, but she completed it.)

2. Using “Despite”

• Definition: “Despite” has the same meaning as “in spite of”—showing contrast or unexpected results.
• Structure: “Despite” is more concise and is also followed by a noun or gerund, without needing “of.”
• Examples:
  • “Despite the rain, they continued their picnic.”
  • “Despite feeling tired, she finished her project.”

Comparing Examples

Notice how both phrases can work in similar sentences:

• “In spite of his injury, he played the game.”
• “Despite his injury, he played the game.”

Both sentences convey the same meaning: his injury didn’t stop him from playing.

Learning Tip 📝

Think of “in spite of” as having an extra word (“of”), which gives it a slightly more formal feel. If you want to sound a bit more direct, you can opt for “despite” as it’s shorter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid 🚫

• Incorrect: “In spite of of his efforts…”
• Correct: “In spite of his efforts…” (Avoid using “of” twice.)
• Incorrect: “Despite of her achievements…”
• Correct: “Despite her achievements…” (Do not add “of” after “despite.”)

Practice Time! 🎉

Fill in the blanks with either “in spite of” or “despite”:

1. __________ the bad weather, the event was a success.
2. She arrived on time __________ the heavy traffic.
3. __________ not studying much, he passed the exam with good grades.

Answers:

1. In spite of the bad weather, the event was a success.
2. She arrived on time despite the heavy traffic.
3. In spite of not studying much, he passed the exam with good grades.