In spite of means that something happens even though something else might have prevented it. It is followed by a noun or an -ing form, not by a full clause: in spite of the rain, in spite of feeling tired. It is neutral in style, so it works equally well in essays and in conversation.
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in spite of + noun/-ing; In spite of + noun, + clause; in spite of the fact that + clause
- In spite of the high cost, many families still choose private schools for their children.
- She passed her driving test on the first attempt in spite of feeling very nervous.
- We had a great time at the festival in spite of the mud.
What changed
First versionIn spite of it was raining, we went for a walk along the river.
RevisionIn spite of the fact that it was raining, we went for a walk along the river.
The idea “although it was raining” tempts you to put a full clause straight after in spite of. But in spite of only takes a noun or an -ing form. To keep it was raining, the fact that was added. A shorter option would be in spite of the rain.
In meaning, in spite of equals despite, but only the first has of: in spite of the rain, despite the rain. The hybrids despite of and in spite the rain are wrong. Also remember in spite of yourself, meaning “although you didn't intend to”: He smiled in spite of himself.
Your turn
___ the heavy rain, the outdoor concert went ahead as planned.
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In spite of — The gap is followed by the heavy rain, a noun with no verb. That works with in spite of. Although introduces a full clause with a subject and a verb: Although it was raining heavily, the concert went ahead.
Write a sentence for an essay about health, education or city life. Start with In spite of, name an obstacle, then say what people do anyway.
In spite of the rising cost of gym memberships, more and more people in big cities exercise regularly.
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