While the casual observer might consider “despite” and “in spite of” interchangeable, these prepositional phrases carry subtle differences in meaning and usage. Understanding the difference between the use of these confusing words can elevate your writing and ensure your message comes across clearly.
| Definition | Example | |
|---|---|---|
| despite | Indicates contrast or unexpected result. | She went for a walk despite the rain. |
| in spite of | Same as “despite,” shows contrast. | He passed the exam in spite of feeling unwell. |
Despite
“Despite” is a preposition used to indicate that something is happening or is true even though there may be factors that could prevent it.
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Examples
- Despite the heavy rain, the outdoor concert went on as planned.
- She excelled in the exam despite having limited time to prepare.
- Despite the team’s injuries, they managed to win the championship.
- Despite his fear of heights, he climbed to the mountain’s summit.
- Despite the economic downturn, the company expanded its operations.
- He smiled despite the pain from his recent injury.
- Despite his busy schedule, he found time to volunteer at the local community centre.
In Spite Of
“In spite of” is a prepositional phrase that serves the same purpose as “despite.” It indicates that something is happening or is true even though there are obstacles or hindrances.
Examples
- In spite of the heavy rain, the outdoor concert went on as planned.
- In spite of having limited time to prepare, she excelled in the exam.
- In spite of the team’s injuries, they managed to win the championship.
- In spite of his fear of heights, he climbed to the mountain’s summit.
- The project was completed on schedule, in spite of unexpected technical issues.
- In spite of the criticism, the artist continued to pursue his unique style.
- In spite of his busy schedule, he found time to volunteer at the local community centre.
Is It Despite Or In Spite Of
While “despite” and “in spite of” share a common purpose, there are specific guidelines for their usage:
Formality
“Despite” is generally considered more formal than “in spite of.” Therefore, in formal writing, such as academic research papers or business communications, it might be more appropriate to use “despite.”
Example: “Despite the economic downturn, the company maintained its profitability.”
Word Order
The word order for both phrases is crucial. “Despite” is typically followed by a noun or a pronoun, while “in spite of” is followed by a noun, pronoun, or the gerund form of a verb.
Example: “Despite the difficulties, they completed the project on time.”
Example: “In spite of facing difficulties, they completed the project on time.”
Negation
“Despite” is often used in affirmative sentences, while “in spite of” can be used in both affirmative and negative sentences.
Example: “Despite the challenges, the team achieved success.”
Example: “In spite of the challenges, the team did not lose hope.”
Prepositions
Both phrases are followed by the preposition “of,” but “in spite of” requires an additional “the” before the noun.
Example: “Despite the rain, the event continued.”
Example: “In spite of the rain, the event continued.”
Personal Style
Choosing between “despite” and “in spite of” can sometimes be a matter of personal style. Some writers may prefer one over the other for stylistic reasons.
Emphasis
“Despite” is often used when emphasising the unexpected nature of an outcome, while “in spite of” may be employed for a more general sense of overcoming obstacles.
Example: “Despite his age, he completed the marathon.”
Example: “In spite of his age, he completed the marathon.”
Tone
The choice between the two may also affect the tone of the sentence. “Despite” may convey a slightly more optimistic tone, while “in spite of” might imply a more resigned or neutral stance.
Example: “Despite the setbacks, the team remained optimistic.”
Example: “In spite of the setbacks, the team worked continually.”
Common Mistakes
- Using “of” after “despite”: “Despite of” is incorrect. Always use “despite” followed by a noun phrase or a clause without “of.”
- Confusing “despite” with other words: “Despite” is different from “although,” “even though,” and “regardless of.” While they all introduce contrasting information, “despite” emphasises the unexpectedness or difficulty more strongly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Despite and in spite of are interchangeable and convey similar meanings. Both are prepositions used to express something happening or being true despite obstacles. However, “despite” is considered slightly more formal, and “in spite of” may be used in both affirmative and negative sentences, offering a nuanced choice in language.
Both “in spite of the weather” and “despite the weather” are correct and convey the same meaning. The choice between them depends on personal preference or stylistic considerations. They both indicate that something is happening or being true despite unfavourable weather conditions.
“Despite” itself is neutral and doesn’t inherently carry a positive or negative connotation. Its meaning is contextual, emphasising the occurrence of something in the face of challenges or contrary circumstances. It can be used in positive or negative contexts depending on the overall tone of the sentence.
The correct phrase is “to spite you.” “Despite” is used to indicate contrast or opposition in a broader context, while “to spite” means to deliberately annoy or harm. So, if someone is doing something to intentionally annoy you, it would be “to spite you.”
