When you want to show that something happened even though there was a difficulty, you can use despite or in spite of. Both expressions have almost the same meaning and are usually interchangeable. The main difference is their grammatical structure: despite is a preposition, while in spite of is a prepositional phrase. For example, “Despite the rain, we went outside” and “In spite of the rain, we went outside” mean the same thing.
Many English learners confuse these expressions because despite does not normally take of after it. You should say “despite the problem,” not “despite of the problem.” On the other hand, in spite of always includes of. Learning this small difference can help you avoid one of the most common grammar mistakes and use both expressions naturally in speaking and writing.
Quick Answer
Despite and in spite of have the same basic meaning: even though something happened or was true, another thing happened anyway. The key grammar difference is that despite is followed directly by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form, while in spite of is followed by the same types of words. Never say “despite of.”
Why Do People Confuse It?
People often confuse despite and in spite of because they express almost exactly the same idea.
Both introduce a contrast:
- Despite the rain, we played football.
- In spite of the rain, we played football.
The meaning is the same: it rained, but we still played football.
The biggest grammar problem is the word of. Because learners know the expression in spite of, they sometimes incorrectly transfer of to despite.
❌ Despite of the rain
✅ Despite the rain
✅ In spite of the rain
First Word: Despite
Despite means even though or regardless of a particular difficulty or fact.
It is normally followed by:
- a noun
- a pronoun
- a gerund (-ing form)
Examples
- Despite the cold weather, we went hiking.
- Despite his fear, he spoke confidently.
- Despite being tired, she continued working.
A useful structure is:
despite + noun/pronoun/-ing
For example:
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
Despite feeling sick, he went to school.
Important Rule
Do not use of immediately after despite.
❌ Despite of the heavy rain, we left.
✅ Despite the heavy rain, we left.
If you want to use of, choose in spite of instead.
Second Word: In Spite Of
In spite of has the same basic meaning as despite.
It is also followed by:
- a noun
- a pronoun
- a gerund (-ing form)
Examples
- In spite of the rain, we went outside.
- In spite of his injury, he played.
- In spite of being nervous, she gave the presentation.
The basic structure is:
in spite of + noun/pronoun/-ing
For example:
In spite of the difficult situation, they remained calm.
In spite of being busy, he helped me.
Despite vs In Spite Of: Comparison Table
| Feature | Despite | In spite of |
| Meaning | Even though | Even though |
| Grammar | Preposition | Prepositional phrase |
| Followed by a noun | Yes | Yes |
| Followed by -ing | Yes | Yes |
| Uses “of” | No | Yes |
| Formality | Common and concise | Common, slightly longer |
| Example | Despite the rain, we left. | In spite of the rain, we left. |
When Should You Use Each?
In most situations, you can choose either expression without changing the meaning.
Use “despite” for a shorter expression
Despite the high price, I bought the phone.
Use “in spite of” when you prefer the longer phrase
In spite of the high price, I bought the phone.
Both are grammatically correct.
With a full clause
If you want to introduce a complete clause with a subject and verb, use despite the fact that or in spite of the fact that.
- Despite the fact that it was raining, we went out.
- In spite of the fact that he was tired, he kept working.
You cannot normally put a complete clause directly after despite.
❌ Despite he was tired, he continued.
✅ Despite being tired, he continued.
✅ Despite the fact that he was tired, he continued.
10+ Examples of Despite and In Spite Of
- Despite the rain, we went for a walk.
- In spite of the rain, we went for a walk.
- Despite being tired, Sarah finished her homework.
- In spite of being tired, Sarah finished her homework.
- Despite the traffic, I arrived on time.
- In spite of the traffic, I arrived on time.
- Despite his age, he runs every morning.
- In spite of her fear, she spoke in front of the audience.
- Despite the high cost, they bought the house.
- In spite of the difficult exam, Ahmed passed.
- Despite feeling nervous, I gave my speech.
- In spite of the bad weather, the match continued.
Notice that you can usually replace despite with in spite of without changing the main meaning.
Common Mistakes
1. Saying “despite of”
❌ Despite of the problem, we continued.
✅ Despite the problem, we continued.
2. Forgetting “of” after “in spite”
❌ In spite the rain, we played.
✅ In spite of the rain, we played.
3. Using a full clause incorrectly
❌ Despite he was sick, he went to work.
Better:
✅ Despite being sick, he went to work.
Or:
✅ Despite the fact that he was sick, he went to work.
4. Confusing “despite” with “although”
Although can be followed directly by a clause.
✅ Although it was raining, we went outside.
But:
❌ Despite it was raining, we went outside.
Correct:
✅ Despite the rain, we went outside.
Memory Trick
Remember this simple rule:
Despite = no “of”
In spite = always “of”
Think:
Despite the problem
In spite of the problem
If you remember “despite without of”, you can avoid the most common mistake.
American vs British English
Both despite and in spite of are used in American and British English.
There is no major difference in meaning between the two expressions based simply on whether you are using American or British English.
For example, both varieties can use:
- Despite the rain, we continued.
- In spite of the rain, we continued.
Despite is often a convenient choice because it is shorter, but in spite of is also completely natural.
Similar Words
Several other expressions can show contrast or unexpected results.
Although
Although is followed by a clause.
Although it was raining, we went outside.
Even though
Even though is also followed by a clause and often gives stronger emphasis.
Even though it was raining, we went outside.
Even if
Even if describes a condition rather than a known fact.
Even if it rains, we will go outside.
Nevertheless
Nevertheless means something like “despite that” or “however.”
It was raining. Nevertheless, we went outside.
The grammar is different, but the idea of contrast is related.
Final Verdict
Despite and in spite of are both correct and usually have the same meaning. The important grammar rule is simple: use despite + noun/-ing, but use in spite of + noun/-ing.
The most common error is “despite of.” If you want to use of, use the complete expression “in spite of.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Is “despite” the same as “in spite of”?
Yes. They generally have the same meaning and can often be used interchangeably.
Is “despite of” grammatically correct?
No. In standard English, use despite without of, or use the complete phrase in spite of.
Which is better, despite or in spite of?
Neither is universally “better.” Both are correct. Despite is shorter, while in spite of is a slightly longer expression.
Can I use “despite” before a verb?
You can use despite + -ing, but not normally despite + base verb.
✅ Despite being tired, he worked.
❌ Despite be tired, he worked.
Can “in spite of” be followed by a verb?
It can be followed by an -ing form.
✅ In spite of feeling tired, she continued.
Can I say “despite the fact that”?
Yes. This structure allows you to introduce a complete clause.
Despite the fact that he was tired, he continued working.
What is the difference between despite and although?
Despite is normally followed by a noun, pronoun, or -ing form, while although is followed by a clause.
Despite the rain, we went out.
Although it was raining, we went out.
Remember This
Despite + noun / pronoun / -ing
In spite of + noun / pronoun / -ing
Never: “despite of”
Although + subject + verb
Once you remember these three patterns, choosing the correct expression becomes much easier.
Conclusion
Despite and in spite of are two common English expressions used to show contrast. They tell us that something happened even though there was a difficulty, obstacle, or opposing fact. In most sentences, they can be substituted for each other without changing the meaning.
The main difference is grammatical form: despite does not take of, while in spite of always includes of. Use despite the rain or in spite of the rain, but never despite of the rain. With regular practice, this small distinction becomes easy to remember and use correctly.
Matthew Benjamin is a contributing author at SpellPeak, dedicated to clear, engaging, and purposeful writing. He focuses on creating informative content that helps readers understand complex ideas with ease. His work emphasizes accuracy, creativity, and practical value, supporting better communication and thoughtful digital learning for a global audience.
