How to Use In Spite of and Despite (With or Without “the fact that”)

English learners often get confused between in spite of and despite. Both expressions are used to show contrast — that is, one thing happens even though something else might make it difficult.

Examples:
In spite of the rain, we went to the park.
Despite the rain, we went to the park.
These two sentences mean the same thing: even though it was raining, we still went to the park.

1. Meaning and Function

Both in spite of and despite mean “even though” or “although something happened.” They connect two ideas that contrast each other — one negative or unexpected, and one positive or surprising.

Examples:
In spite of her illness, she went to work.
Despite his young age, he speaks English very well.

Both mean that something happened unexpectedly or against the odds.

2. Grammar Structure

a) In Spite of + Noun / Pronoun / -ing form

You can use in spite of followed by a noun, pronoun, or verb + ing.

Examples:
In spite of the traffic, we arrived on time.
In spite of being tired, he finished his homework.
In spite of the bad weather, they enjoyed their trip.

b) Despite + Noun / Pronoun / -ing form

Despite works the same way as in spite of, but it does not use “of.”

Examples:
Despite the traffic, we arrived on time.
Despite being tired, he finished his homework.
Despite the bad weather, they enjoyed their trip.

✅ Tip: Never say despite of. That is grammatically incorrect.

3. Using “the fact that”

Sometimes you want to use a complete sentence after in spite of or despite. In that case, add “the fact that” to connect the ideas correctly.

Examples:
In spite of the fact that it was raining, we went out.
Despite the fact that she was late, she joined the meeting.

Without “the fact that,” these sentences would be incomplete because in spite of and despite need a noun phrase, not a full clause.

Compare:
❌ In spite of it was raining, we went out.
✅ In spite of the fact that it was raining, we went out.

4. Quick Comparison Table

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

🚫 Wrong: Despite of the rain, we stayed outside.
✅ Correct: Despite the rain, we stayed outside.

🚫 Wrong: In spite the noise, I slept well.
✅ Correct: In spite of the noise, I slept well.

🚫 Wrong: Despite of he was sick, he worked.
✅ Correct: Despite the fact that he was sick, he worked.

6. Simple Practice Examples

Try completing these yourself:

1. ________ being tired, she kept smiling.
2. ________ the cold weather, they went swimming.
3. ________ the fact that he failed once, he didn’t give up.

Answers:
1. In spite of / Despite
2. In spite of / Despite
3. In spite of the fact that / Despite the fact that

Conclusion

Both in spite of and despite are useful connectors in English that express contrast. They mean the same thing and can often replace each other. The only difference is in their structure:

• Use “in spite of” or “despite” before a noun or -ing form.
• Use “in spite of the fact that” or “despite the fact that” before a full sentence.

Keep practicing with real examples, and soon you’ll use these phrases naturally in your English speaking and writing!