In spite of
Academic discourse marker used to connect ideas
Use it to show that a challenge existed but failed to stop the final outcome.
In 15 Seconds
- Shows a result happened despite a specific obstacle.
- Always follow with a noun or an -ing verb.
- Common in professional writing and serious storytelling.
Meaning
Think of it as a way to say 'even though something tried to stop me, I did it anyway.' It connects a challenge or a problem to a successful result.
Key Examples
3 of 6Talking about a rainy day trip
In spite of the heavy rain, we had a great time at the beach.
Even though it rained a lot, we enjoyed the beach.
A formal business update
In spite of the market downturn, our profits increased this quarter.
Despite the bad economy, we made more money.
Texting a friend about a party
I made it to the party in spite of my car breaking down!
I got to the party even though my car died.
Cultural Background
The phrase originates from the Middle English 'despit,' meaning contempt. Over time, the 'contempt' softened into a way of showing that an obstacle was ignored or overcome. In modern culture, it is frequently used in journalism and academic writing to highlight contrast and resilience.
The 'Fact That' Trick
If you really want to use a full sentence after 'in spite of', just add 'the fact that'. It's a secret bridge that lets you use subjects and verbs!
Don't say 'In spite'
Always remember the 'of' at the end. Saying 'In spite the rain' is a very common mistake that sounds unfinished to native ears.
In 15 Seconds
- Shows a result happened despite a specific obstacle.
- Always follow with a noun or an -ing verb.
- Common in professional writing and serious storytelling.
What It Means
In spite of is a heavy-duty connector. It shows that one thing didn't stop another thing from happening. Imagine you are running a race. Suddenly, it starts pouring rain. You keep running and win! You won in spite of the rain. It highlights your resilience. It tells the listener that the obstacle was there, but it wasn't strong enough. It is the linguistic version of saying, "Nice try, world, but I'm still doing this."
How To Use It
This phrase has a specific grammar rule. You must follow it with a noun or a verb ending in -ing. For example, in spite of the noise (noun) or in spite of feeling tired (gerund). You cannot put a full sentence directly after it. If you want to use a full sentence, you have to add the fact that. For instance, in spite of the fact that it was late. It sounds a bit wordy, but it works! Just remember: In spite of + [Thing/Action].
When To Use It
Use this when you want to sound professional or precise. It is perfect for work emails when projects hit a snag. Use it in essays to show complex relationships between ideas. It also works great when telling a dramatic story to friends. "In spite of the long line, we got the best donuts!" It adds a little bit of 'oomph' to your storytelling. It makes the outcome feel more earned and impressive.
When NOT To Use It
Don't use it if there is no real obstacle. If you say, "In spite of the sunshine, I went outside," people will be confused. Sunshine usually helps you go outside! Also, avoid it in very short, casual texts where but or though would be faster. If you are at a loud party, in spite of might sound a bit too stiff. Stick to even though when you are shouting over music.
Cultural Background
English speakers love a good underdog story. This phrase is the ultimate underdog expression. It comes from the word spite, which usually means a desire to harm someone. Centuries ago, it meant you were doing something just to annoy the obstacle! Today, that mean spirit is gone. Now, it just shows strength of will. It is very common in British and American news reporting to show political or social persistence.
Common Variations
Despite is the most common twin. They mean exactly the same thing. However, despite is just one word, while in spite of is three. Some people think despite is slightly more formal. Another variation is regardless of. This one is a bit different. Regardless of means the obstacle didn't even matter or wasn't considered. In spite of acknowledges the obstacle was there and was actually quite annoying!
Usage Notes
Use 'in spite of' when you want to emphasize the strength of the obstacle. It is perfectly suited for formal reports, professional emails, and literature.
The 'Fact That' Trick
If you really want to use a full sentence after 'in spite of', just add 'the fact that'. It's a secret bridge that lets you use subjects and verbs!
Don't say 'In spite'
Always remember the 'of' at the end. Saying 'In spite the rain' is a very common mistake that sounds unfinished to native ears.
The 'Despite' Rivalry
Native speakers often debate which is better. Fun fact: 'Despite' is actually more common in modern writing because it's shorter, but 'In spite of' sounds more rhythmic and emphatic.
Examples
6In spite of the heavy rain, we had a great time at the beach.
Even though it rained a lot, we enjoyed the beach.
Uses a noun phrase 'the heavy rain' after the expression.
In spite of the market downturn, our profits increased this quarter.
Despite the bad economy, we made more money.
Highlights a professional achievement against the odds.
I made it to the party in spite of my car breaking down!
I got to the party even though my car died.
Adds a sense of drama and effort to the story.
In spite of having five beds, the cat chooses to sleep on a pizza box.
The cat sleeps on a box even though he has five beds.
Highlights the absurdity of the situation.
In spite of all our arguments, I still love you more than anything.
Even with our fights, my love for you hasn't changed.
Shows that the love is stronger than the conflict.
She passed the exam in spite of not studying at all.
She passed even though she didn't study.
Uses a negative gerund 'not studying' for contrast.
Test Yourself
Choose the correct phrase to complete the sentence.
___ the loud music, I managed to fall asleep.
'In spite of' is followed by a noun phrase ('the loud music'), while 'although' requires a full subject and verb.
Complete the sentence with the correct verb form.
In spite of ___ (feel) sick, he went to work.
After 'in spite of', we use the gerund (-ing) form of the verb.
🎉 Score: /2
Visual Learning Aids
Formality of Contrast Markers
Used with friends and family.
But / Though
Good for most daily situations.
Even though
Professional and academic writing.
In spite of
Legal or very stiff documents.
Notwithstanding
When to use 'In Spite Of'
Bad Weather
Going hiking in spite of the storm.
Health Issues
Running a marathon in spite of a cold.
Business Obstacles
Launching a product in spite of no budget.
Personal Differences
Being friends in spite of different politics.
Frequently Asked Questions
10 questionsThere is no difference in meaning! 'Despite' is just one word and doesn't use 'of', while 'In spite of' is three words. You can use them interchangeably.
Yes, absolutely! Just make sure to put a comma after the first part of the sentence. For example: In spite of the heat, we kept walking.
It is always three separate words: In spite of. Writing it as one word is a spelling error.
You can, but it might sound a little formal. Most people would just use even though or but in a quick text.
Usually, yes. It is used for obstacles or challenges. You wouldn't say in spite of my lottery win unless the win somehow made your life harder!
You must use the -ing form. Example: In spite of having a broken leg, he climbed the stairs.
It is equally common in both! It is a standard part of the English language worldwide.
Yes, but it's less common. Example: He won the race in spite of his injury.
There isn't a direct opposite, but Because of is often used when the first thing actually helped the second thing happen.
Yes, it is highly recommended for academic writing. it shows sophisticated logic and clear contrast.
Related Phrases
Despite
Exactly the same as 'in spite of', but more concise.
Regardless of
Used when something is not influenced by or considered.
Even though
A more casual way to show contrast using a full sentence.
Notwithstanding
A very formal, legalistic version of 'in spite of'.
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