Despite vs. In Spite Of
“Despite” and “in spite of” have the same concessive role and are followed by a noun phrase or -ing form rather than a finite clause introduced directly after them.
“Despite” and “in spite of” are equivalent in their core concessive meaning. Choose either, then keep the following construction grammatical.
Key details
Choose the right form
| Meaning / situation | Form / construction | Decision |
|---|---|---|
| a noun or noun phrase follows | despite + noun / in spite of + noun | Either construction can express the same core concession. |
| an -ing clause follows | despite + -ing / in spite of + -ing | Both can introduce the concessive -ing phrase. |
| a full finite clause must follow directly | despite/in spite of the fact that + clause, or rewrite | Do not write “despite of.” |
Quick tests
Meaning / construction test
Are you choosing between the two expressions for the same concessive meaning?
If yes: Either “despite” or “in spite of” can work; keep the following grammar correct and maintain style consistency.
If no: If a full clause follows, add “the fact that” where needed or rewrite the sentence.
Caveat: The reviewed evidence supports equivalence in core concessive meaning; this guide does not invent a meaning difference. “Despite of” is not the corresponding construction.
Examples
Despite the delay, the meeting started on time.
“Despite” directly introduces the noun phrase.
In spite of the delay, the meeting started on time.
“In spite of” expresses the same core concession.
Despite arriving late, she completed the check.
“Despite” can introduce an -ing phrase.
Further guidance
Construction Boundary
Both normally introduce a noun phrase, pronoun, or -ing form; a finite clause needs a construction such as “despite the fact that …”.
Equivalence
The two expressions can normally be substituted for each other without changing the concessive meaning.
Sources and evidence
Sources are shown with the role they play in this guide. Historical or style-sensitive claims are kept within the evidence boundary described above.
- In spite of and despite — Cambridge Grammar (opens in a new tab)Cambridge Dictionary · Despite as a prepositional expression contrasted with clause-introducing although/even though