Knowledge of the correct usage of in spite of and despite in English sentences. English learners have tendency to mix in spite of and despite. Both the expressions are used to indicate contrast i.e. one thing occurs even though something might occur that will complicate things.
Also read our article about 50 Phrasal Verbs in English here
Examples:
Despite the rain we had visited the park.
We took ourselves to the park in the rain.
These two sentences are equivalent: we went to the park still in spite of the rains.
Meaning and Function
Both despite and in spite of mean either even though or although something has happened. Two ideas, which are different in terms of each other, one negative or unexpected, one positive or surprising, are linked together.
Examples:
Despite being sick, she still managed to go to work.
He speaks English well though he is at a very young age.
They both denote a situation that occurred outside the expectation or against the odds.
Grammar Structure
In Spite of + Noun / Pronoun / -ing form.
It is possible to use in spite of with a following noun, pronoun, or verb + ing.
Examples:
Despite the traffic we still managed to get on time.
Despite his exhaustion, he completed his homework.
Despite the weather, they had an enjoyable time out.
b) + Noun / Pronoun / -ing Despite.
Works, though, is used as in spite of, but without using of.
Examples:
In the midst of the traffic, we ended up on time.
He did his homework though he was exhausted.
They had a good time in spite of the poor weather.
Tip: Never say despite of. That is not grammatically correct.
Using "the fact that"
There are occasions when you wish to make use of a complete sentence following in spite of or despite. Then, put in between them, the fact that to relate the ideas properly.
Examples:
Despite the fact that it was raining we went out.
She showed up in the meeting despite the fact that she had been late.
These sentences would leave off without the fact that, since in spite of and despite require a noun phrase, and not complete clause.
Compare:
Against all odds, we went out in the rain.
Despite the fact that it had been raining, we went outside.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
False: We were outside, notwithstanding the rain.
True: notwithstanding the rainy weather we were outside.
Wrong: I had slept well, in spite of the noise.
Correct: I slept very well despite the noise.
Wrong: It was because he was ill and yet he labored.
True: He worked, although he was sick.
Simple Practice Examples
Attempt to do the following:
-----------being tired, she kept smiling.
----------they went swimming in the cold weather.
-----------the that he did not make once, he never gave up.
Answers:
In spite of / Despite
In spite of / Despite
Despite the fact that Despite the fact that
Conclusion
In English, both in spite of and despite are helpful connectors that are used to carry out contrast. They are synonymous and may even substitute with one another. They are only differentiated in their structure:
Before a noun or -ing form, use in spite of or despite.
Before a complete sentence use in spite of the fact that or despite the fact that.
Continue practicing using actual examples, and before long period you will be using these phrases in your speaking and writing of English without trying hard!
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