Inspite vs Despite Examples and Easy Usage Rules
The difference between "in spite of" and "despite" often confuses students preparing for school tests, competitive exams, or improving their English writing. These prepositions of contrast are common in questions and daily usage. Understanding how to use "in spite of" vs "despite" correctly will strengthen both written and spoken English. This guide, curated by Vedantu English experts, breaks the confusion with rules, examples, and practice.
| Expression | Meaning | Correct Usage | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| In spite of | Even though; regardless of | Always as "in spite of" + noun/gerund | In spite of the rain, we played cricket. |
| Despite | Even though; regardless of | "Despite" + noun/gerund (never "despite of") | Despite the rain, we played cricket. |
Difference Between Inspite and Despite
"In spite of" and "despite" both mean "although" or "regardless of," and are used to connect two contrasting ideas. "Despite" sounds slightly more formal, but in meaning, they are nearly the same. Remember: always use "in spite of" (three words), and never "despite of."
How to Use Inspite vs Despite in Sentences
Knowing the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" improves exam scores and writing skills. Both are prepositions that introduce a contrast, but follow certain grammar rules.
- "In spite of" is always three separate words and is used before a noun, pronoun, or gerund.
- "Despite" is used in the same way, but it does not take "of" after it.
- Never use "inspite" as one word. Always write "in spite of".
- Do not write "despite of"—it is incorrect.
Correct Sentence Structure
- In spite of + noun/gerund/comma + clause
Example: In spite of his illness, he went to school. - Despite + noun/gerund/comma + clause
Example: Despite being tired, she finished the assignment. - Both can be used at the start or middle of a sentence.
Inspite vs Despite Examples for Students
| Correct Usage | Incorrect Usage | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| In spite of the noise, the baby slept well. | Inspite the noise, the baby slept well. | "In spite of" must be three words; "inspite" is not correct. |
| Despite the cold weather, we went outside. | Despite of the cold weather, we went outside. | "Despite of" is wrong. Use only "despite". |
| She succeeded in spite of difficulties. | In spite difficulties, she succeeded. | Add "of" after "in spite" for correct usage. |
| Despite his fear, he spoke confidently. | Despite of his fear, he spoke confidently. | No "of" with "despite". |
| In spite of working hard, he failed. | Inspite of working hard, he failed. | Always space as "in spite of". |
| Despite being late, she was allowed in. | Despite of being late, she was allowed in. | Wrong to use "of" with "despite". |
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Do not write "inspite" as one word; always use "in spite of".
- Never use "despite of"; it is incorrect English.
- Both are followed by a noun, pronoun, or gerund (verb+ing form).
-
Use "in spite of oneself" for the idiom meaning "without intending to."
Example: She smiled in spite of herself. - For formal writing, "despite" is preferred; both are fine in exams.
Special Usages and Idioms: Inspite vs Despite
Some idioms use only "in spite of" (such as "in spite of oneself") and not "despite." Also, both prepositions can be at the start or middle of a sentence. For example:
- "In spite of his shyness, he joined the group." (can also be "Despite his shyness...")
- "She finished the race in spite of herself." (correct idiom)
- "Despite the rain, the match continued."
Remember, "despite" never pairs with "of." Some fixed expressions, especially in idioms, work only with "in spite of."
Practice Worksheet: Inspite vs Despite
Try filling in the blanks with "in spite of" or "despite". Answers are below.
- _____ the traffic, we reached on time.
- _____ being ill, he attended school.
- She passed the test _____ her fears.
- _____ the delay, the train was full.
- He laughed _____ himself.
Answers: 1. In spite of, 2. Despite, 3. in spite of, 4. Despite, 5. in spite of
Summary Table: Quick Inspite vs Despite Difference
| Expression | Meaning | Usage Rule | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| In spite of | Although; even though; shows contrast | "In spite of" + noun/gerund | In spite of pain, he worked hard. |
| Despite | Although; even though; shows contrast | "Despite" + noun/gerund (never with "of") | Despite pain, he worked hard. |
Why Learning Inspite and Despite Is Important
Mastering the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" is useful for English exams, essays, and competitive tests. This skill helps in building confident, accurate sentences and speaking fluently. For more on prepositions and grammar, explore these resources: Preposition and Prepositions of Cause, Reason, Purpose at Vedantu.
Understanding the difference between "in spite of" and "despite" will make you a stronger English user. Remember: "in spite of" is always three words, "despite" never takes "of". Use these confidently in exams, writing, and speaking—Vedantu is here to help make grammar simple!
FAQs on Inspite vs Despite: What’s the Difference and How to Use Them
1. What is the difference between "inspite" and "despite" in English?
In spite of and despite are both prepositions indicating contrast. However, despite is generally considered more formal. They are often used interchangeably in informal settings.
2. Can you use "inspite" and "despite" interchangeably?
While often used interchangeably in informal speech, despite is the grammatically correct and preferred term in formal writing. "Inspite" is not a standard English word. Using despite shows a stronger command of English grammar.
3. What are some examples of sentences using "in spite of" and "despite"?
Both prepositions take noun phrases or gerunds. Examples include:
- Despite the heavy rain, the game continued.
- In spite of his injuries, he finished the race.
- She succeeded despite numerous obstacles.
- He went to school in spite of his illness.
4. Is "inspite of" more formal than "despite"?
No, "inspite of" is incorrect. The correct and more formal term is "despite."
5. Which is correct: "despite of" or "in spite of"?
"In spite of" is correct; "despite of" is incorrect. "Despite" already incorporates the sense of "of," so adding it is redundant.
6. What is the difference between inspite and despite with examples?
The main difference lies in formality. Despite is the grammatically correct and more formal option. In spite of is acceptable in informal contexts. For example: "Despite the cold weather, we went for a walk." vs. "In spite of the cold weather, we went for a walk."
7. Is inspite positive or negative?
"Inspite" is not a word in standard English. Both "despite" and "in spite of" express contrast or concession, indicating that something happened even though something else was opposing it. The meaning is not inherently positive or negative; it depends on the context of the sentence.
8. What is an example of inspite of?
The correct phrase is "in spite of." An example is: "In spite of the challenges, she persevered and achieved her goals."
9. When should I use "despite" in a sentence?
Use "despite" to show contrast or concession. It introduces a fact that might be expected to prevent something else, but did not. It is followed by a noun phrase or gerund. For example: "Despite the rain, the picnic was a success."
10. Can "despite" and "in spite of" be used at the start and middle of a sentence?
Yes, both "despite" and "in spite of" can be used at the beginning or in the middle of a sentence. Beginning a sentence with them can add emphasis. For instance: "Despite the odds, she won." or "She won, despite the odds."
11. Are there cases where only "in spite of" (not "despite") is correct, for example, in certain idioms?
While largely interchangeable, some fixed expressions only use "in spite of." For example, "in spite of oneself" is more common than "despite oneself." The nuances can be subtle; usage often depends on style and context.
12. Why is "despite of" considered incorrect in standard grammar?
"Despite" already implies the sense of "of." Adding "of" is grammatically redundant and considered incorrect in formal English. It's similar to saying "regardless of of."
