In Spite vs Despite
English has many pairs of expressions that confuse even native speakers. One of such tricky duos is “in spite” vs “despite.” They both express contrast, yet their usage in sentences can be a source of second-guessing. If you’ve ever wondered whether to use “in spite of” or “despite,” this post will give you clarity.
Let’s break it down.
What Do “In Spite” vs “Despite” Mean?
Both “in spite of” and “despite” mean even though or regardless of. They are used to show contrast between two ideas often when something happened even though there was an obstacle or opposing condition.
In Spite Of
This is a prepositional phrase that must always be followed by “of.”
Example:
- In spite of the heavy rain, they continued the football match.
Despite
This is also a preposition, but it is not followed by “of.”
Example:
- Despite the heavy rain, they continued the football match.
Grammar Rules & Key Differences
| Point | In Spite Of | Despite |
|---|---|---|
| Prepositional usage | Always with “of” | Never with “of” |
| Sentence structure | More casual in tone | Slightly more formal |
| Followed by | Noun / pronoun / gerund | Noun / pronoun / gerund |
Correct:
- In spite of her illness, she came to work.
- Despite her illness, she came to work.
Incorrect:
- In spite her illness…
- Despite of her illness…
Examples in Sentences
- In spite of being tired, he finished the race.
- Despite being tired, he finished the race.
- In spite of the delay, the event was a success.
- Despite the delay, the event was a success.
Both are grammatically correct it’s just about tone and structure preference.
Common Mistakes
- Using “despite of”
Despite of the noise, she slept well.
Despite the noise, she slept well. - Using “in spite” without “of”
In spite the cold, they swam.
In spite of the cold, they swam. - Adding extra words unnecessarily
Despite of the fact that…
Despite the fact that… or just Despite…
Memory Tips for In Spite vs Despite
🔹 Think of “despite” as a cleaner, one-word alternative.
🔹 Remember: “in spite” needs a partner “of.”
🔹 Substitute with “even though” to test usage:
- Even though she was tired… → Despite being tired… / In spite of being tired…
Also read: Lose vs Loss another confusing pair you don’t want to misuse.
🔗 For more grammar tips, visit Merriam-Webster’s guide on contrast words.
Conclusion
In spite of and despite serve the same function in a sentence showing contrast. The main thing to watch out for is the structure. Use “in spite” with ‘of’, and never use “despite” with ‘of’.
Understanding these differences makes your writing clearer and more professional. Whether you’re crafting an email, blog, or academic piece, knowing which to use keeps your grammar sharp.
